Washington DC mayor calls in National Guard ahead of pro-Trump protests

A stage is set up on the Ellipse near the White House in preparation for a rally on January 6 (Susan Walsh/AP)

Washington DC has mobilised the National Guard ahead of planned protests by President Donald Trump’s supporters in connection with the congressional vote expected on Wednesday to affirm Joe Biden’s election victory.

Mr Trump’s supporters are planning to rally on Tuesday and Wednesday, seeking to bolster the president’s unproven claims of widespread voter fraud.