Democrats request testimony from US diplomat who questioned Trump motivations on Ukraine | TheHill – The Hill

Posted: October 12, 2019 at 10:47 am


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House Democrats have reportedly requested testimony from the top U.S. diplomat to Ukraine, who questioned President TrumpDonald John TrumpFederal prosecutors investigating Giuliani: report House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman and top Republican to introduce sanctions bill against Turkey Trump lashes out at 2020 Dems, impeachment inquiry MORE's motivations for withholding aid to the country.

Democrats requested to depose diplomat William Taylor as part of their impeachment inquiry, but have not yet scheduled an interview with him or issued a subpoena, multiple sources familiar with the situation told CNN.

In text messages turned over to the House during adeposition from Kurt VolkerKurt VolkerIn testimony, Dems see an ambassador scorned, while GOP defends Trump Cracks emerge in White House strategy as witness testifies Democrats request testimony from US diplomat who questioned Trump motivations on Ukraine MORE, who served as the special envoy to Ukraine, Taylor suggested U.S. military aid was being withheld from Ukraine for political reasons.

Trump had delayed the hundreds of millions in dollars in aid, which had been approved by Congress, just days before he pressed Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelensky on July 25 to open an investigation into former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenFederal prosecutors investigating Giuliani: report Trump lashes out at 2020 Dems, impeachment inquiry In marathon testimony, Dems see an ambassador scorned, while GOP defends Trump MORE, a leading 2020 contender.

Taylor said in a Sept. 9 exchange that the delay of assistance hadshaken [the Ukrainians] faith in us.

As I said on the phone, I think its crazy to withhold security assistance for help with a political campaign, he added.

U.S. Ambassador to thethe European Union Gordon Sondland, who had reportedly spoken with Trump on the issue, replied that Taylor was "incorrect about President Trump's intentions" and said he believed Trump had no intention of a "quid pro quo."

Sondland then suggested he and Taylor stop texting on the subject.

Democrats on House committees looking into Trump have also requested that other State Department officials including Sondland testify, but Secretary of State Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoPompeo: 'I wish the NBA would acknowledge' China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims Dem senator urges Pompeo to fire State official accused of retaliation, harassment Democrats request testimony from US diplomat who questioned Trump motivations on Ukraine MORE has sought to block their testimony.

The House has subpoenaed Sondland and he said in a statement Friday that he plans to testify next week in light of that development. It is possible Pompeo will try again to prevent Taylor from testifying.

The Hill has reached out to the House committees and the State Department for comment.

Taylor is the charg daffaires of the embassy in Kiev. He served as ambassador to Ukraine from 2006 to 2009.

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Democrats request testimony from US diplomat who questioned Trump motivations on Ukraine | TheHill - The Hill

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