Update: Donald Trump fires Gordon Sondland, EU ambassador and a key impeachment witness
But it was Sondland's testimony that had the potential to be the most damning. Sondland was tasked by Trump with coordinating Ukraine policy along with Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Ukraine envoy Kurt Volker. He told lawmakers that he came to believe that Trump withheld military aid and a White House meeting from Ukraine in order to force the nation — dependent on U.S. support in a war with Russia — to boost his political prospects.
The unceremonious removal of the Vindmans was quickly denounced by Democrats as an act of retribution against those who testified against Trump, one previewed by a White House that has warned of "payback" for Trump's detractors. Rep. Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called it "shameful" and said GOP senators who acquitted Trump would be asked to account for Vindman's removal.
“Well, I'm not happy with him,” the president told reporters in comments on the White House lawn. “You think I'm supposed to be happy with him? I'm not. They'll make that decision.”Vindman's removal from his post came amid three months of relentless attacks by Trump's allies in Congress, the White House and on Fox News, questioning the Iraq War veteran's patriotism and honesty. Sen.
A source close to Vindman suggested as much on Friday before the news of his removal, saying that it appears the White House was "getting ready to retaliate.” For example, Jennifer Williams, a former aide to Vice President Mike Pence who testified alongside Vindman and similarly raised concerns about Trump's July 25 call, is moving to a new role at CENTCOM this spring, sourceslast week. Bill Taylor, the former top U.S. envoy to Ukraine, left his post last month and took to the pages of the Washington Post to chide Secretary of State Pompeo for wondering whether Americans cared about Ukraine.
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