#ICYMI: Ambassador Sondland is testifying today about his work as the United States Ambassador to the European Union.
His opening statement has been publicly released.
Here are some key points that further undermine @HouseDemocrats' wayward impeachment effort.
#THREAD ⬇️
His opening statement has been publicly released.
Here are some key points that further undermine @HouseDemocrats' wayward impeachment effort.
#THREAD ⬇️
Sondland testified that he recalled NO discussions with the State Department or White House about Vice President Biden or his son.
He added that he didn’t recall any effort to encourage an investigation into the Bidens.
He added that he didn’t recall any effort to encourage an investigation into the Bidens.
Sondland stated that neither Ambassador Bolton nor Fiona Hill ever shared any critical comments to him about the Administration’s Ukraine policy.
Sondland added that he was “disappointed” by media reports of Hill’s critical comments.
Sondland added that he was “disappointed” by media reports of Hill’s critical comments.
Sondland responded to media reports misinterpreting his text messages about his work in Ukraine.
He said that allegations he sought to hide information by speaking on the phone, rather than via text, were “completely false.”
He said that allegations he sought to hide information by speaking on the phone, rather than via text, were “completely false.”
Sondland responded to reports about releasing a public statement promising to investigate corruption in exchange for a White House meeting.
He made clear that these types of statements were “routine” “common and necessary” as part of diplomacy.
He made clear that these types of statements were “routine” “common and necessary” as part of diplomacy.
Sondland said he was aware of NO discussions with the White House on withholding U.S. security assistance from Ukraine in return for assistance with the President’s 2020 re-election campaign.
Aka: he undercuts @RepAdamSchiff's theory about a quid pro quo.
Aka: he undercuts @RepAdamSchiff's theory about a quid pro quo.
Sondland responded to alleged concerns of a quid pro quo for security aid. In September, he called the President and asked “What do you want from Ukraine?”
The President’s response? “NOTHING.”
The President’s response? “NOTHING.”
Sondland emphasized AGAIN that the President repeated “no quid pro quo” multiple times to him on the same phone call in September.
Let’s repeat it one more time: there was NO quid pro quo and NO pressure on Ukraine from President Trump.
Let’s repeat it one more time: there was NO quid pro quo and NO pressure on Ukraine from President Trump.
There is no reason Sondland couldn't have testified in public for all Americans to see. But @RepAdamSchiff wants to closely control what Americans get to know.
It’s time to end this sham partisan #impeachment distraction.
Let’s get back to solving real problems facing the American people.
Let’s get back to solving real problems facing the American people.
