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Live updates: Top diplomat revises his earlier testimony, says U.S. aid to Ukraine was tied to public anti-corruption pledge Live updates: Top diplomat revises his earlier testimony, says U.S. aid to Ukraine was tied to public anti-corruption pledge
(32 minutes later)
Gordon Sondland, ambassador to the European Union, acknowledged telling one of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisers that resumption of U.S. aid was tied to an anti-corruption pledge sought by Trump.Gordon Sondland, ambassador to the European Union, acknowledged telling one of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisers that resumption of U.S. aid was tied to an anti-corruption pledge sought by Trump.
The acknowledgment in a deposition released Tuesday was a reversal from his earlier testimony. It puts Sondland in the middle of what national security officials saw as an attempt by the White House to leverage nearly $400 million in security assistance for investigations that could benefit President Trump politically.The acknowledgment in a deposition released Tuesday was a reversal from his earlier testimony. It puts Sondland in the middle of what national security officials saw as an attempt by the White House to leverage nearly $400 million in security assistance for investigations that could benefit President Trump politically.
The transcript of the deposition was one of two released by House investigators Tuesday as they continue to probe Trump’s efforts to press for an investigation into former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.The transcript of the deposition was one of two released by House investigators Tuesday as they continue to probe Trump’s efforts to press for an investigation into former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden, who sat on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.
House Democrats are also seeking a deposition of acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney on Friday. He is not expected to comply with the request.House Democrats are also seeking a deposition of acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney on Friday. He is not expected to comply with the request.
Meanwhile, Republicans are considering changes to their lineup on the House Intelligence Committee ahead of public hearings on the impeachment inquiry, including the installation of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a boisterous Trump supporter.Meanwhile, Republicans are considering changes to their lineup on the House Intelligence Committee ahead of public hearings on the impeachment inquiry, including the installation of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a boisterous Trump supporter.
●Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies that she felt threatened by Trump’s comments about her.●Former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies that she felt threatened by Trump’s comments about her.
●Transcripts show Republicans’ scattershot strategy in the early days of the impeachment inquiry.●Transcripts show Republicans’ scattershot strategy in the early days of the impeachment inquiry.
●A U.S. judge fast-tracks a hearing over a House impeachment subpoena to former national security aide Charles Kupperman.●A U.S. judge fast-tracks a hearing over a House impeachment subpoena to former national security aide Charles Kupperman.
●Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani, is willing to comply with the House impeachment inquiry, his attorney says.●Lev Parnas, an associate of Trump personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani, is willing to comply with the House impeachment inquiry, his attorney says.
Who’s involved in the impeachment inquiry | Key documents related to the inquiry | LISTEN: Post podcasts on impeachmentWho’s involved in the impeachment inquiry | Key documents related to the inquiry | LISTEN: Post podcasts on impeachment
3:25 p.m.: Sondland said NSC staffer Fiona Hill was furious at Trump
Sondland told lawmakers that Fiona Hill, a key former National Security Council staffer and witness in the congressional impeachment probe, was visibly angry when he visited her in her office in July, days before her departure.
“I was at the White House for some other unrelated reason and I dropped up and we sat and had coffee. And she was pretty upset about her role in the administration, about her superiors, about the president. She was sort of shaking. She was pretty mad,” Sondland said.
The two had a 15-20 minute chat, and Sondland said it was alarming because he’d never seen her that upset before. Among Hill’s complaints, according to Sondland, was that the White House national security team was poorly run. Hill was also “railing” against Trump, then-national security adviser John Bolton and the “disorder” within the NSC, Sondland said.
-- Devlin Barrett
3:20 p.m.: Volker proposed adding references to Burisma, 2016 election to draft Zelensky statement
The former U.S. special envoy to Ukraine told an aide to Ukraine’s president in mid-August that a public statement announcing investigations should include specific mention of the 2016 presidential election and Burisma, the energy company where Hunter Biden once served as a board member, according to text messages released Tuesday by impeachment investigators.
On Aug. 12, Andrey Yermak, an aide to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, texted Kurt Volker, the former U.S. envoy, a draft statement in which Zelensky would promise a “transparent and unbiased investigation” into the “problem of interference in the political processes of the United States.”
The next day, following a phone conversation between Yermak, Volker and Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, Volker sent Yermak another text message proposing an “insert at the end for the 2 key items.”
Volker proposed that Zelensky’s statement read: “We intend to initiate and complete a transparent and unbiased investigation of all available facts and episodes, including those involving Burisma and the 2016 U.S. elections, which in turn will prevent the recurrence of this problem in the future.”
-- Elise Viebeck
3:15 p.m.: Sondland said he told the president about his upcoming testimony
Sondland said he told Trump in early October that he had been asked to testify to Congress about the administration’s dealings with the Ukraine.
Sondland said he ran into the president at a White House reception for the president of Finland.
“I said I’ve been asked to come in and testify,” Sondland told lawmakers. “And there were a lot of people around. He said, ‘good, go tell the truth.’ That was the extent of our conversation.”
The ambassador said he also had a brief phone conversation with the White House counsel’s office after a whistleblower’s report mentioning him came out. “I believe we had a short, fairly nonsubstantive 3, 4, 5-minute conversation. They wanted me to come in for an interview, and I declined until I spoke to my counsel, and I never did give that interview,” Sondland said.
— Devlin Barrett
2:30 p.m.: McConnell says if Senate trial held today, Trump would be acquitted
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) laid out the steps for a Senate trial on Tuesday, but said that the outcome is probably already known.
“I will say, I’m pretty sure how it’s likely to end. If it were today, I don’t think there’s any question it would not lead to a removal,” McConnell told reporters. “So the question is how long does the Senate want to take, how long do the presidential candidates want to be here on the floor instead of Iowa and New Hampshire?”
McConnell refused to answer questions about the House impeachment inquiry, including whether the whistleblower who filed the complaint, or whistleblowers generally, deserve to have their identities protected.
But McConnell did explain how a Senate trial would be conducted, beginning with an agreement between McConnell and Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) on procedure. Then the Senate turns it over to the chief justice of the United States to proceed, as the senators sit in the chamber as the jury.
“We’re not allowed to speak when we’re in open session, which I suggested might be good therapy for some of our members,” McConnell said.
2:20 p.m.: Volker and Sondland testimony brings Trump’s Ukraine ‘scheme’ into clearer focus, committee chairs say2:20 p.m.: Volker and Sondland testimony brings Trump’s Ukraine ‘scheme’ into clearer focus, committee chairs say
The leaders of the three committees involved in the impeachment inquiry said Tuesday that the newly released Volker and Sondland testimony reveals the extent of efforts of Trump and his personal attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani to “use the State Department to press Ukraine to announce investigations beneficial to the president’s personal and political interests.” The leaders of the three committees involved in the impeachment inquiry said Tuesday that the newly released testimony from Sondland and Kurt Volker, the former U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, reveals the extent of efforts of Trump and Giuliani to “use the State Department to press Ukraine to announce investigations beneficial to the president’s personal and political interests.”
Those efforts began as early as May 2019, they said.Those efforts began as early as May 2019, they said.
“Finally, with the release of the full production of text messages provided to the Committees by Ambassador Volker, and an additional declaration by Ambassador Sondland, the president’s scheme comes into clearer focus,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.), House Intelligence Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) and acting Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement.“Finally, with the release of the full production of text messages provided to the Committees by Ambassador Volker, and an additional declaration by Ambassador Sondland, the president’s scheme comes into clearer focus,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot L. Engel (D-N.Y.), House Intelligence Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) and acting Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement.
The three chairs accused the State Department of “blanket stonewalling,” which they said will “only continue to build the case against the president for obstruction of Congress, especially in light of the damning evidentiary record the Committees have already gathered.”The three chairs accused the State Department of “blanket stonewalling,” which they said will “only continue to build the case against the president for obstruction of Congress, especially in light of the damning evidentiary record the Committees have already gathered.”
2 p.m.: Top diplomat revises his earlier testimony, says U.S. aid to Ukraine was tied to public anti-corruption pledge2 p.m.: Top diplomat revises his earlier testimony, says U.S. aid to Ukraine was tied to public anti-corruption pledge
In excerpts of Gordon Sondland’s deposition, the ambassador to the European Union revised his earlier testimony. He said he acknowledged telling one of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisers in Warsaw that “resumption of U.S. aid would likely not occur until Ukraine provided the public anti-corruption statement that we had been discussing for many weeks.”In excerpts of Gordon Sondland’s deposition, the ambassador to the European Union revised his earlier testimony. He said he acknowledged telling one of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s advisers in Warsaw that “resumption of U.S. aid would likely not occur until Ukraine provided the public anti-corruption statement that we had been discussing for many weeks.”
House impeachment investigators released the transcript on Tuesday.House impeachment investigators released the transcript on Tuesday.
Sondland’s reversal puts him in the middle of what national security officials saw as an attempt by the White House to leverage nearly $400 million in security assistance for investigations that could benefit the president politically.Sondland’s reversal puts him in the middle of what national security officials saw as an attempt by the White House to leverage nearly $400 million in security assistance for investigations that could benefit the president politically.
Sondland had initially testified that he knew of only one quid pro quo: a coveted White House invitation for Ukraine’s new president if Ukraine would commit to launching investigations that could have impugned the reputation of Joe Biden.Sondland had initially testified that he knew of only one quid pro quo: a coveted White House invitation for Ukraine’s new president if Ukraine would commit to launching investigations that could have impugned the reputation of Joe Biden.
But William B. Taylor Jr., the acting U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, challenged Sondland’s claim that he did not know of a second quid pro quo involving the security aid.But William B. Taylor Jr., the acting U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, challenged Sondland’s claim that he did not know of a second quid pro quo involving the security aid.
Taylor testified that Sondland had conditioned the release of the funding on the investigations targeting Biden in a meeting in Poland in September.Taylor testified that Sondland had conditioned the release of the funding on the investigations targeting Biden in a meeting in Poland in September.
Taylor said he understood that on Sept. 1, Sondland warned Zelensky aide Andrey Yermak that the security assistance “would not come” unless Zelensky committed to pursuing the investigation into Burisma, an energy company where Hunter Biden had held a board position.Taylor said he understood that on Sept. 1, Sondland warned Zelensky aide Andrey Yermak that the security assistance “would not come” unless Zelensky committed to pursuing the investigation into Burisma, an energy company where Hunter Biden had held a board position.
“I was alarmed,” Taylor wrote, saying a national security official had told him that the demand was relayed in person by Sondland while the ambassador was traveling in Poland with Vice President Pence. “This was the first time I had heard that the security assistance . . . was conditioned on the investigation.” “I was alarmed,” Taylor wrote, saying a national security official had told him that the demand was relayed in person by Sondland while the ambassador was traveling in Poland with Vice President Pence. “This was the first time I had heard that the security assistance … was conditioned on the investigation.”
In the footnote, Sondland said he “presumed” the funding was being held up because of the lack of the sought-after investigations.In the footnote, Sondland said he “presumed” the funding was being held up because of the lack of the sought-after investigations.
— Aaron C. Davis— Aaron C. Davis
1:35 p.m.: Testimony from two diplomats at heart of impeachment inquiry released1:35 p.m.: Testimony from two diplomats at heart of impeachment inquiry released
As part of the House’s push to make the impeachment probe public, House investigators have released testimony from closed-door depositions taken from Kurt Volker, the former U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, and Sondland.As part of the House’s push to make the impeachment probe public, House investigators have released testimony from closed-door depositions taken from Kurt Volker, the former U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, and Sondland.
Both are key witnesses in the probe. They were questioned last month about Trump pressuring Ukraine to dig up dirt on his political rivals.Both are key witnesses in the probe. They were questioned last month about Trump pressuring Ukraine to dig up dirt on his political rivals.
Volker testified Oct. 3, while Sondland appeared Oct. 17.Volker testified Oct. 3, while Sondland appeared Oct. 17.
Volker worked with Giuliani, the White House and Ukrainian officials to arrange the July 25 phone call between Trump and Zelensky and a potential White House visit by Zelensky while pushing for investigations into Trump’s political foes. Later, Volker would release revealing text messages of the exchanges.Volker worked with Giuliani, the White House and Ukrainian officials to arrange the July 25 phone call between Trump and Zelensky and a potential White House visit by Zelensky while pushing for investigations into Trump’s political foes. Later, Volker would release revealing text messages of the exchanges.
Sondland sought to broker an agreement that would have included Ukraine announcing an investigation of the Bidens. He testified that Trump urged him to work with Giuliani on matters related to Ukraine.Sondland sought to broker an agreement that would have included Ukraine announcing an investigation of the Bidens. He testified that Trump urged him to work with Giuliani on matters related to Ukraine.
Read Volker’s testimony here.Read Volker’s testimony here.
Read Sondland’s testimony here.Read Sondland’s testimony here.
1:30 p.m.: House GOP likely to shuffle lineup on Intelligence panel1:30 p.m.: House GOP likely to shuffle lineup on Intelligence panel
House Republicans are likely to make a last-minute lineup shuffle before impeachment hearings of Trump begin in the coming weeks, potentially placing at least one of several fierce Trump defenders who are at risk of being sidelined onto the congressional panel empowered to publicly question witnesses.House Republicans are likely to make a last-minute lineup shuffle before impeachment hearings of Trump begin in the coming weeks, potentially placing at least one of several fierce Trump defenders who are at risk of being sidelined onto the congressional panel empowered to publicly question witnesses.
Jordan, as the top Republican on the House Oversight and Reform Committee and a veteran combatant in highly charged Capitol Hill investigations, has taken the leading role in closed-door depositions of key witnesses in the impeachment inquiry. But he is not a member of the Intelligence Committee, which Democrats last week voted to give the sole power to conduct public hearings.Jordan, as the top Republican on the House Oversight and Reform Committee and a veteran combatant in highly charged Capitol Hill investigations, has taken the leading role in closed-door depositions of key witnesses in the impeachment inquiry. But he is not a member of the Intelligence Committee, which Democrats last week voted to give the sole power to conduct public hearings.
According to three Republicans familiar with the talks, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is considering placing Jordan on the panel, as well as others — such as Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), who have been involved in the depositions but do not sit on the Intelligence Committee.According to three Republicans familiar with the talks, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is considering placing Jordan on the panel, as well as others — such as Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), who have been involved in the depositions but do not sit on the Intelligence Committee.
A McCarthy spokesman confirmed comments that McCarthy made to Politico indicating that he planned to “make adjustments to that committee accordingly, for a short period of time” during the impeachment proceedings.A McCarthy spokesman confirmed comments that McCarthy made to Politico indicating that he planned to “make adjustments to that committee accordingly, for a short period of time” during the impeachment proceedings.
In a Fox News interview Tuesday, Jordan said the shuffle would be a “call for Leader McCarthy” In a Fox News interview Tuesday, Jordan said the shuffle would be a “call for Leader McCarthy.”
“I just want to help our team,” he added.“I just want to help our team,” he added.
Adding Jordan or other members would require removing as many current members from the Intelligence Committee lineup. Speculation among Republicans has focused on two retiring members of the panel, Texas Reps. K. Michael Conaway and Will Hurd.Adding Jordan or other members would require removing as many current members from the Intelligence Committee lineup. Speculation among Republicans has focused on two retiring members of the panel, Texas Reps. K. Michael Conaway and Will Hurd.
— Mike DeBonis— Mike DeBonis
1:20 p.m.: Former defense secretary and GOP senator: Trump committed ‘an impeachable act’1:20 p.m.: Former defense secretary and GOP senator: Trump committed ‘an impeachable act’
William Cohen, a former Republican congressman on the House Judiciary Committee who supported President Richard Nixon’s impeachment, told the Associated Press that he thinks Trump’s actions are impeachable.William Cohen, a former Republican congressman on the House Judiciary Committee who supported President Richard Nixon’s impeachment, told the Associated Press that he thinks Trump’s actions are impeachable.
Cohen, who also served as defense secretary under President Bill Clinton, said if it’s true that Trump was withholding money from a foreign ally in exchange for an investigation into a political foe, then it’s “a form of bribery, a form of a high crime and misdemeanor,” the AP reported.Cohen, who also served as defense secretary under President Bill Clinton, said if it’s true that Trump was withholding money from a foreign ally in exchange for an investigation into a political foe, then it’s “a form of bribery, a form of a high crime and misdemeanor,” the AP reported.
Trump pressed for investigation of the Bidens at a time when U.S. military aid was being withheld from Ukraine.Trump pressed for investigation of the Bidens at a time when U.S. military aid was being withheld from Ukraine.
12:40 p.m.12:40 p.m.
: House investigators seek deposition from Mulvaney: House investigators seek deposition from Mulvaney
House impeachment investigators are seeking a deposition of Mulvaney on Friday, according to a letter released Tuesday.House impeachment investigators are seeking a deposition of Mulvaney on Friday, according to a letter released Tuesday.
The request targets the highest-ranking White House official to date in the impeachment inquiry. Mulvaney, a former Republican congressman, is unlikely to show.The request targets the highest-ranking White House official to date in the impeachment inquiry. Mulvaney, a former Republican congressman, is unlikely to show.
“Based on evidence gathered in the impeachment inquiry and public reporting, we believe that you possess substantial firsthand knowledge and information relevant to the House’s impeachment inquiry,” the Democratic chairmen of the three committees conducting the inquiry wrote to Mulvaney.“Based on evidence gathered in the impeachment inquiry and public reporting, we believe that you possess substantial firsthand knowledge and information relevant to the House’s impeachment inquiry,” the Democratic chairmen of the three committees conducting the inquiry wrote to Mulvaney.
The House investigators said they are interested in particular in Mulvaney’s involvement in an effort by Trump, Giuliani and others to withhold a White House meeting from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and nearly $400 million in U.S. military aid at a time when Trump was pressing investigations that could benefit him politically.The House investigators said they are interested in particular in Mulvaney’s involvement in an effort by Trump, Giuliani and others to withhold a White House meeting from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and nearly $400 million in U.S. military aid at a time when Trump was pressing investigations that could benefit him politically.
12:05 p.m.: Senate Democrats press Defense inspector general for investigation12:05 p.m.: Senate Democrats press Defense inspector general for investigation
A group of Senate Democrats pressed the inspector general of the Defense Department on Friday to investigate the Trump administration’s withholding of nearly $400 million in military aid to Ukraine at a time when Trump was seeking an investigation of the Bidens.A group of Senate Democrats pressed the inspector general of the Defense Department on Friday to investigate the Trump administration’s withholding of nearly $400 million in military aid to Ukraine at a time when Trump was seeking an investigation of the Bidens.
“In light of the Department’s role in the delay of execution of the Ukraine funds and concerns that political pressure is being applied by other parts of the Executive Branch to prevent scrutiny of this delay, we continue to believe that an impartial investigation by your Office is important to get to the truth and ensure appropriate accountability,” the senators wrote in a letter to Glenn Fine, the acting inspector general.“In light of the Department’s role in the delay of execution of the Ukraine funds and concerns that political pressure is being applied by other parts of the Executive Branch to prevent scrutiny of this delay, we continue to believe that an impartial investigation by your Office is important to get to the truth and ensure appropriate accountability,” the senators wrote in a letter to Glenn Fine, the acting inspector general.
Sen. Richard J. Durbin’s (Ill.) office said he and three other Democratic senators met with Fine last week to discuss the request, which was initially made more than a month ago.Sen. Richard J. Durbin’s (Ill.) office said he and three other Democratic senators met with Fine last week to discuss the request, which was initially made more than a month ago.
11:55 a.m.: Schumer says calls for unmasking whistleblower should prompt ‘bipartisan outrage’11:55 a.m.: Schumer says calls for unmasking whistleblower should prompt ‘bipartisan outrage’
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) chastised Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Trump for their calls to unmask the whistleblower whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry.Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) chastised Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Trump for their calls to unmask the whistleblower whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry.
Schumer’s comments on the Senate floor followed Paul’s appearance with Trump Monday night at a campaign rally in Kentucky where Paul argued that the identity of the anonymous U.S. intelligence official should be made public.Schumer’s comments on the Senate floor followed Paul’s appearance with Trump Monday night at a campaign rally in Kentucky where Paul argued that the identity of the anonymous U.S. intelligence official should be made public.
“I cannot stress just how wrong this is,” Schumer said. “We have federal whistleblower laws designed to protect the identity and safety of patriotic Americans who come forward to stand up for the Constitution.“I cannot stress just how wrong this is,” Schumer said. “We have federal whistleblower laws designed to protect the identity and safety of patriotic Americans who come forward to stand up for the Constitution.
“There should be bipartisan outrage at the public attempts by the president and a member of this body to expose the identity of a federal whistleblower,” Schumer continued. “You don’t get to determine when our whistleblower laws apply or they don’t, whether you like what the whistleblower said or you don’t.”“There should be bipartisan outrage at the public attempts by the president and a member of this body to expose the identity of a federal whistleblower,” Schumer continued. “You don’t get to determine when our whistleblower laws apply or they don’t, whether you like what the whistleblower said or you don’t.”
11:30 a.m.: Majority thinks better way to remove Trump is at ballot box11:30 a.m.: Majority thinks better way to remove Trump is at ballot box
A majority of Americans thinks the better way to remove Trump from office is at the ballot box next year rather than through impeachment, according to a new poll.A majority of Americans thinks the better way to remove Trump from office is at the ballot box next year rather than through impeachment, according to a new poll.
The Monmouth University Poll asked Americans if they agree with the statement that “if you want Trump out of office, it makes more sense to focus on next year’s election rather than go through an impeachment process now.”The Monmouth University Poll asked Americans if they agree with the statement that “if you want Trump out of office, it makes more sense to focus on next year’s election rather than go through an impeachment process now.”
Fifty-nine percent agree with that statement, while 34 percent disagrees, the poll found.Fifty-nine percent agree with that statement, while 34 percent disagrees, the poll found.
Even among those who support removing Trump from office through impeachment, 39 percent agree that focusing on next year’s election provides a better opportunity to oust him, according to the poll.Even among those who support removing Trump from office through impeachment, 39 percent agree that focusing on next year’s election provides a better opportunity to oust him, according to the poll.
The poll also found that only 24 percent of Americans think that the Republican-led Senate would vote to remove Trump from office in a trial if he is impeached by the Democratic-led House.The poll also found that only 24 percent of Americans think that the Republican-led Senate would vote to remove Trump from office in a trial if he is impeached by the Democratic-led House.
11 a.m. Pelosi highlights Schiff op-ed on impeachment inquiry11 a.m. Pelosi highlights Schiff op-ed on impeachment inquiry
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sought to draw attention to an op-ed by Schiff that argues that Trump’s call to Zelensky was “just one piece” of broader wrongdoing.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) sought to draw attention to an op-ed by Schiff that argues that Trump’s call to Zelensky was “just one piece” of broader wrongdoing.
In a tweet, Pelosi referred to Schiff’s op-ed in USA Today as a “must read.”In a tweet, Pelosi referred to Schiff’s op-ed in USA Today as a “must read.”
“We now know that the call was just one piece of a larger operation to redirect our foreign policy to benefit Donald Trump’s personal and political interests, not the national interest,” Pelosi quoted Schiff as writing.“We now know that the call was just one piece of a larger operation to redirect our foreign policy to benefit Donald Trump’s personal and political interests, not the national interest,” Pelosi quoted Schiff as writing.
Trump and his Republican allies have sought to focus attention on the rough transcript of the call, arguing that Trump did nothing wrong because he does not explicitly condition the resumption of U.S. military aid on investigating the Bidens.Trump and his Republican allies have sought to focus attention on the rough transcript of the call, arguing that Trump did nothing wrong because he does not explicitly condition the resumption of U.S. military aid on investigating the Bidens.
“In the past few weeks, and despite the White House’s continued obstruction, we have learned a great deal about what occurred from those with firsthand knowledge of the call, and those who witnessed the president’s actions preceding and following it,” Schiff wrote in the op-ed.“In the past few weeks, and despite the White House’s continued obstruction, we have learned a great deal about what occurred from those with firsthand knowledge of the call, and those who witnessed the president’s actions preceding and following it,” Schiff wrote in the op-ed.
10:15 a.m.: Scalise discounts Yovanovitch as an ‘Obama holdover’10:15 a.m.: Scalise discounts Yovanovitch as an ‘Obama holdover’
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) sought Tuesday to discount testimony from Marie Yovanovitch, the ambassador to Ukraine recalled by Trump, calling the career diplomat an “Obama holdover.”House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) sought Tuesday to discount testimony from Marie Yovanovitch, the ambassador to Ukraine recalled by Trump, calling the career diplomat an “Obama holdover.”
According to a transcript of her deposition released Monday, Yovanovitch testified that she was the target of a shadow campaign to orchestrate her removal that involved Giuliani and Ukrainian officials suspected of fostering corruption.According to a transcript of her deposition released Monday, Yovanovitch testified that she was the target of a shadow campaign to orchestrate her removal that involved Giuliani and Ukrainian officials suspected of fostering corruption.
Yovanovitch said that she remained worried that she would be a target of retaliation by Trump, who referred to her in his July 25 phone call with Ukraine’s president as “bad news” and someone who was “going to go through some things.”Yovanovitch said that she remained worried that she would be a target of retaliation by Trump, who referred to her in his July 25 phone call with Ukraine’s president as “bad news” and someone who was “going to go through some things.”
Yovanovitch, who was nominated as ambassador to Ukraine by then-President Barack Obama in 2016, has been a member of the Foreign Service since 1986 and previously served stints as ambassador to Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in both Democratic and Republican administrations.Yovanovitch, who was nominated as ambassador to Ukraine by then-President Barack Obama in 2016, has been a member of the Foreign Service since 1986 and previously served stints as ambassador to Armenia and Kyrgyzstan in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
“She was an Obama holdover, somebody who didn’t necessarily support President Trump’s agenda,” Scalise said during an appearance on Fox News. “She wasn’t elected to be commander in chief to set our foreign policy. Donald Trump was. … He brought in somebody that was going to carry out a much better foreign policy.”“She was an Obama holdover, somebody who didn’t necessarily support President Trump’s agenda,” Scalise said during an appearance on Fox News. “She wasn’t elected to be commander in chief to set our foreign policy. Donald Trump was. … He brought in somebody that was going to carry out a much better foreign policy.”
9:45 a.m.: Gaetz advocates for moving several Republicans to Intelligence panel9:45 a.m.: Gaetz advocates for moving several Republicans to Intelligence panel
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a staunch Trump ally, said Republicans should move Jordan and other “effective questioners” to the Intelligence Committee in advance of the public hearings on impeachment.Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a staunch Trump ally, said Republicans should move Jordan and other “effective questioners” to the Intelligence Committee in advance of the public hearings on impeachment.
Gaetz suggested two other lawmakers: Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.).Gaetz suggested two other lawmakers: Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.).
“@GOPLeader has full discretion to put our most effective questioners on intel for this matter,” Gaetz tweeted. “If @Jim_Jordan @RepMarkMeadows & @RepLeeZeldin aren’t moved on in favor of Republicans who have skipped a majority of the testimony, then shame on us for failing @realDonaldTrump.”“@GOPLeader has full discretion to put our most effective questioners on intel for this matter,” Gaetz tweeted. “If @Jim_Jordan @RepMarkMeadows & @RepLeeZeldin aren’t moved on in favor of Republicans who have skipped a majority of the testimony, then shame on us for failing @realDonaldTrump.”
8:30 a.m.: Jordan confirms possible role on Intelligence Committee8:30 a.m.: Jordan confirms possible role on Intelligence Committee
Jordan confirmed during a television appearance that he might be added to the House Intelligence Committee as it prepares to hold public hearings in the impeachment inquiry.Jordan confirmed during a television appearance that he might be added to the House Intelligence Committee as it prepares to hold public hearings in the impeachment inquiry.
“We’ll see. That’s a call for Leader McCarthy,” he said, referring to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), in an interview on Fox News.“We’ll see. That’s a call for Leader McCarthy,” he said, referring to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), in an interview on Fox News.
“I just want to help our team,” Jordan said. “I want to help the country see the truth here, that President Trump didn’t do anything wrong, and that what the Democrats are doing is partisan, it’s unfair and frankly it’s ridiculous.”“I just want to help our team,” Jordan said. “I want to help the country see the truth here, that President Trump didn’t do anything wrong, and that what the Democrats are doing is partisan, it’s unfair and frankly it’s ridiculous.”
8:20 a.m.: Trump Jr. urges public to ‘read the transcript’8:20 a.m.: Trump Jr. urges public to ‘read the transcript’
Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, urged the public to read the rough transcript of his father’s July call with Zelensky.Donald Trump Jr., the president’s eldest son, urged the public to read the rough transcript of his father’s July call with Zelensky.
“My father put the transcript out. Read it,” Trump Jr. said during an appearance on “CBS This Morning.” “Everything else is opinion. Read the transcript and make your decision from there.”“My father put the transcript out. Read it,” Trump Jr. said during an appearance on “CBS This Morning.” “Everything else is opinion. Read the transcript and make your decision from there.”
The president has argued that the rough transcript of the call shows he did nothing wrong because he does not explicitly link a request to investigate the Bidens to U.S. military aid to Ukraine that was being withheld at the time.The president has argued that the rough transcript of the call shows he did nothing wrong because he does not explicitly link a request to investigate the Bidens to U.S. military aid to Ukraine that was being withheld at the time.
During his CBS interview, Trump Jr. also took aim at Schiff for the way he is conducting the impeachment process and called him a “known hater” of his father.During his CBS interview, Trump Jr. also took aim at Schiff for the way he is conducting the impeachment process and called him a “known hater” of his father.
“He’s being judge, jury and executioner,” Trump Jr. said.“He’s being judge, jury and executioner,” Trump Jr. said.
8 a.m.: Lawyer for whistleblower highlights protections advocated by Grassley8 a.m.: Lawyer for whistleblower highlights protections advocated by Grassley
Mark S. Zaid, a lawyer for the whistleblower whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry, suggested Tuesday that Republicans who have called for his client to testify publicly should follow the counsel of Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa).Mark S. Zaid, a lawyer for the whistleblower whose complaint sparked the impeachment inquiry, suggested Tuesday that Republicans who have called for his client to testify publicly should follow the counsel of Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa).
A morning tweet by Zaid was aimed at two Republican senators: Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky.A morning tweet by Zaid was aimed at two Republican senators: Lindsey O. Graham of South Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky.
“Perhaps @LindseyGrahamSC & @RandPaul should listen to their senior colleague,” Zaid tweeted. “He understands how & the need to protect #whistleblowers.”“Perhaps @LindseyGrahamSC & @RandPaul should listen to their senior colleague,” Zaid tweeted. “He understands how & the need to protect #whistleblowers.”
Zaid attached a news story about comments made Monday by Grassley about whether the whistleblower should come forward.Zaid attached a news story about comments made Monday by Grassley about whether the whistleblower should come forward.
“That’s strictly up to the whistleblower,” Grassley said. “A person like me that has advocated for whistleblowers for a long period of time, including this whistleblower, I want maximum protection for whistleblowers.”“That’s strictly up to the whistleblower,” Grassley said. “A person like me that has advocated for whistleblowers for a long period of time, including this whistleblower, I want maximum protection for whistleblowers.”
7:45 a.m.: Trump shares previous commentary on impeachment7:45 a.m.: Trump shares previous commentary on impeachment
Trump went on Twitter on Tuesday morning to retweet some of his previous commentary on the impeachment inquiry.Trump went on Twitter on Tuesday morning to retweet some of his previous commentary on the impeachment inquiry.
Among other things, he advocated that the whistleblower whose complaint sparked the inquiry testify publicly and complained that the media is focused on the inquiry at a time when the stock market is at an all-time high.Among other things, he advocated that the whistleblower whose complaint sparked the inquiry testify publicly and complained that the media is focused on the inquiry at a time when the stock market is at an all-time high.
Trump’s retweets on impeachment came amid other tweets urging voters to back Republican candidates in elections Tuesday in Virginia, Kentucky and Louisiana.Trump’s retweets on impeachment came amid other tweets urging voters to back Republican candidates in elections Tuesday in Virginia, Kentucky and Louisiana.
7:15 a.m.: Volker, Sondland transcripts expected to be released7:15 a.m.: Volker, Sondland transcripts expected to be released
House investigators are expected to release transcripts Tuesday from the closed-door depositions on Oct. 3 of Volker and on Oct. 17 of Sondland.House investigators are expected to release transcripts Tuesday from the closed-door depositions on Oct. 3 of Volker and on Oct. 17 of Sondland.
Volker worked with Giuliani, the White House and Ukrainian officials to arrange the July 25 phone call between Trump and Zelensky and a potential White House visit by Zelensky while pushing for investigations into Trump political foes. Later, Volker would release revealing text messages of the exchanges.Volker worked with Giuliani, the White House and Ukrainian officials to arrange the July 25 phone call between Trump and Zelensky and a potential White House visit by Zelensky while pushing for investigations into Trump political foes. Later, Volker would release revealing text messages of the exchanges.
Sondland sought to broker an agreement that would have included Ukraine announcing an investigation of the Bidens. He testified that Trump urged him to work with Giuliani on matters related to Ukraine.Sondland sought to broker an agreement that would have included Ukraine announcing an investigation of the Bidens. He testified that Trump urged him to work with Giuliani on matters related to Ukraine.
On Monday, transcripts of two other witnesses were made public: Marie Yovanovitch, the former ambassador to Ukraine, and P. Michael McKinley, a former adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.On Monday, transcripts of two other witnesses were made public: Marie Yovanovitch, the former ambassador to Ukraine, and P. Michael McKinley, a former adviser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
7 a.m.: House GOP considers adding Jordan to Intelligence panel7 a.m.: House GOP considers adding Jordan to Intelligence panel
House Republicans are considering installing Jordan, a fierce Trump ally, on the Intelligence Committee at a key juncture in the impeachment proceedings, according to two GOP aides familiar with the dynamics.House Republicans are considering installing Jordan, a fierce Trump ally, on the Intelligence Committee at a key juncture in the impeachment proceedings, according to two GOP aides familiar with the dynamics.
The move would have to be approved by the full House when it comes back into session next week.The move would have to be approved by the full House when it comes back into session next week.
The GOP aides requested anonymity to share private deliberations about the panel, whose top Republican is Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.).The GOP aides requested anonymity to share private deliberations about the panel, whose top Republican is Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.).
Jordan, the ranking Republican of the Oversight and Reform Committee, would provide a powerful voice for Republicans as the Intelligence Committee starts to hold public hearings, the aides said.Jordan, the ranking Republican of the Oversight and Reform Committee, would provide a powerful voice for Republicans as the Intelligence Committee starts to hold public hearings, the aides said.
It remained unclear which Republican currently on the committee would be bumped if Jordan is added.It remained unclear which Republican currently on the committee would be bumped if Jordan is added.
— Mike DeBonis and Rachael Bade— Mike DeBonis and Rachael Bade
6:30 a.m.: Two more Trump administration officials plan to skip depositions6:30 a.m.: Two more Trump administration officials plan to skip depositions
At the direction of the White House, two more Trump administration officials are planning to skip scheduled depositions Tuesday.At the direction of the White House, two more Trump administration officials are planning to skip scheduled depositions Tuesday.
They are Michael Duffey, associate director for national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget, and Wells Griffith, an energy adviser at the National Security Council.They are Michael Duffey, associate director for national security programs at the Office of Management and Budget, and Wells Griffith, an energy adviser at the National Security Council.
Duffey was allegedly involved in approving orders to hold back nearly $400 million in congressionally approved military aid for Ukraine. Griffith took part at a key meeting at the White House with Ukrainian officials in July.Duffey was allegedly involved in approving orders to hold back nearly $400 million in congressionally approved military aid for Ukraine. Griffith took part at a key meeting at the White House with Ukrainian officials in July.
6 a.m.: Schiff says ‘patriotic public servants’ will testify publicly6 a.m.: Schiff says ‘patriotic public servants’ will testify publicly
Schiff offered a preview of upcoming public hearings and defended the use of closed-door depositions in an op-ed published Tuesday by USA Today.Schiff offered a preview of upcoming public hearings and defended the use of closed-door depositions in an op-ed published Tuesday by USA Today.
“Americans will hear directly from dedicated and patriotic public servants about how they became aware that U.S. foreign policy had been subverted for the president’s personal political interests, how they responded and how the president’s scheme jeopardizes our national security,” Schiff said in the piece.“Americans will hear directly from dedicated and patriotic public servants about how they became aware that U.S. foreign policy had been subverted for the president’s personal political interests, how they responded and how the president’s scheme jeopardizes our national security,” Schiff said in the piece.
He also noted that he had resisted calls for an impeachment inquiry for more than a year.He also noted that he had resisted calls for an impeachment inquiry for more than a year.
“But the Founders who devised our government understood that someday, a president might come to power who would fail to defend the Constitution or would sacrifice the country’s national security in favor of his own personal or political interests, and that Congress would need to consider such a remedy,” Schiff wrote. “Tragically, that time has come.”“But the Founders who devised our government understood that someday, a president might come to power who would fail to defend the Constitution or would sacrifice the country’s national security in favor of his own personal or political interests, and that Congress would need to consider such a remedy,” Schiff wrote. “Tragically, that time has come.”
5 a.m.: Williams, special adviser to Pence, expected to testify Thursday5 a.m.: Williams, special adviser to Pence, expected to testify Thursday
Jennifer Williams, a special adviser to the vice president for Europe and Russia, is expected to testify Thursday before House lawmakers, according to an official working on the impeachment inquiry.Jennifer Williams, a special adviser to the vice president for Europe and Russia, is expected to testify Thursday before House lawmakers, according to an official working on the impeachment inquiry.
Williams, a career Foreign Service officer, is the first person from Vice President Pence’s office to testify before Congress. She’s scheduled for the same day as former national security adviser John Bolton, who has indicated that he will not attend the hearing.Williams, a career Foreign Service officer, is the first person from Vice President Pence’s office to testify before Congress. She’s scheduled for the same day as former national security adviser John Bolton, who has indicated that he will not attend the hearing.
Williams joined the vice president’s staff this spring and accompanied Pence to Warsaw in early September where he met with Zelensky to discuss nearly $400 million in military aid that had been mysteriously put on hold by Trump.Williams joined the vice president’s staff this spring and accompanied Pence to Warsaw in early September where he met with Zelensky to discuss nearly $400 million in military aid that had been mysteriously put on hold by Trump.
Williams’s testimony should offer the first insights into what Pence knew about the hold on the Ukrainian funds and efforts by Trump and his personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani to pressure the Ukrainians to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden.Williams’s testimony should offer the first insights into what Pence knew about the hold on the Ukrainian funds and efforts by Trump and his personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani to pressure the Ukrainians to investigate Joe and Hunter Biden.
In his meeting with Zelensky, Pence conveyed the news that the U.S. aid to Ukraine was not going to be released amid concerns about the country’s lagging efforts to combat corruption. But officials close to Pence insist that he was unaware of Trump’s efforts to press Zelensky for damaging information about Biden and his son, who had served on the board of an obscure Ukrainian gas company, when his father was overseeing U.S. policy on Ukraine.In his meeting with Zelensky, Pence conveyed the news that the U.S. aid to Ukraine was not going to be released amid concerns about the country’s lagging efforts to combat corruption. But officials close to Pence insist that he was unaware of Trump’s efforts to press Zelensky for damaging information about Biden and his son, who had served on the board of an obscure Ukrainian gas company, when his father was overseeing U.S. policy on Ukraine.
Williams should also shed light on Pence’s decision not to attend Zelensky’s inauguration in May — an event White House officials had pushed to put on the vice president’s calendar — when Ukraine’s new leader was seeking recognition and support from Washington.Williams should also shed light on Pence’s decision not to attend Zelensky’s inauguration in May — an event White House officials had pushed to put on the vice president’s calendar — when Ukraine’s new leader was seeking recognition and support from Washington.
Fiona Hill, who served as the White House’s top expert on Russia and Ukraine until July, testified earlier that Trump ordered Pence to cancel his trip to Kyiv for the inauguration. A delegation led by Energy Secretary Rick Perry went in Pence’s place.Fiona Hill, who served as the White House’s top expert on Russia and Ukraine until July, testified earlier that Trump ordered Pence to cancel his trip to Kyiv for the inauguration. A delegation led by Energy Secretary Rick Perry went in Pence’s place.
— Greg Jaffe— Greg Jaffe