Democrat Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Vermont Republican Governor Phil Scott issued public statements calling for Trump's removal as a matter of public safety.

Some have called for immediate impeachment proceedings, while others suggest invoking the emergency protections of the 25th amendment, which allow for the removal of an incumbent if they are deemed unable to fulfil their responsibilities.

"There is no question in my mind that his efforts to encourage a coup represent high treason to this democracy, our Constitution and all Americans. He poses a danger to our nation," Pritzker said.

"This violence is the natural conclusion of Donald Trump's efforts to unleash the forces of hate and divide our nation. It must end."

On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat, said "there are serious discussions right now about what will happen to this President".

The Baltimore Sun editorial board issued a scathing editorial laying blame for the violence on Wednesday at the feet of President Donald Trump and his efforts to hold on to power.

"Make no mistake: The surreal scene at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday that temporarily shut down the Electoral College vote count and led to at least one death was directly brought on by Donald Trump," the Sun wrote.

"He's responsible for every critically injured person, every terrorized police officer and every single broken window caused by the violent mob of his so-called supporters. The president of the United States incited this riot."

The Washington Post called Trump "unfit to remain in office" even for 14 days.

"Every second he retains the vast powers of the presidency is a threat to public order and national security," the Post wrote.

At least 40 Democrats in the House have gone on record in recent days speaking of the imperative to remove Trump from power.

Among the most damning condemnations of Trump came from his former Defence Secretary James Mattis.

"Today's violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump," Mattis, who left the administration in December 2018, told Politico.

"His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice."

Political experts said the realistic chance of removing Trump from the White House with only two weeks left on his term is slim.

But the fact that such a step was discussed at all was another sign of the desperation that is marking the waning weeks of the Trump administration.

Australian Associated Press