How did Trump's E.U. Ambassador Gordon Sondland, a hotel magnate with no diplomatic experience, get thrust into the middle of an impeachment probe? A look into his business record before his diplomatic career, shows he was never afraid to push boundaries.
"As Ambassador, Sondland would continued to push the limits, renovating his official residence in Brussels, spending tens of thousands of dollars on furniture, rugs, and custom woodwork." @AriMelber on reports of Sondland spending taxpayer's money to fulfill his lavish lifestyle
In 2016, Sondland faced backlash for being a lead donor at a Trump fundraising event, after he supported Jeb Bush in the 2016 Primary. Sondland pulled out of the event, but later secretly donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration committee through FOUR different companies.
WATCH: Once Sondland became Amb. to the E.U., he soon began to struggle with diplomatic expertise or naming foreign leaders. When asked his favorite current leader, he jokingly responded 'Abraham Lincoln.'
Insiders described him as one who could barely navigate local politics.
Insiders described him as one who could barely navigate local politics.
Fiona Hill, former White House Russia expert, also raised concern about Ambassador Sondland, because he was "giving out [officials'] personal phone numbers" and texting" which could have been "exfiltrated by the Russians very easily."
WATCH: In March, Sondland proclaimed to be taking steps to 'counter malicious cyber activity' to 'safeguard the integrity' of our institutions.
Sondland's damning text messages and emails have now been gathered as evidence in President Trump's impeachment probe.
Sondland's damning text messages and emails have now been gathered as evidence in President Trump's impeachment probe.
WATCH: At a public event in 2016, Sondland spoke out saying he's good at politics because he's good at using "quid pro quos." Sondland said he also finds it "unfortunate" that there aren't more quid pro quos or "transactional" deals used in government and politics.
WATCH: During an interview one day after Trump's call with Zelensky, Sondland told a reporter the two leaders discussed a "collaboration" of a "pathway forward."
He did not mention the call was centered around a bribery plot.
He did not mention the call was centered around a bribery plot.
Sondland's pathway forward was based on getting the investigations Trump wanted. He did not reveal a pathway of investigation of the Bidens until recently, we he CHANGED his testimony after other officials revealed they saw Sondland himself, detailing the quid pro quo.
After revising his testimony, Gordon Sondland prepares to testify publicly before America. The idea of a newly hesitant witness who changes his mind, and will potentially tell all, scares the White House.
WATCH: Trump is distancing himself from Sondland, claiming to 'barely know the gentleman' after referring to him as a 'highly respected' ambassador.
Watch @AriMelber's full report on Ambassador Gordon Sondland's path from businessman to being a key witness at the center of an impeachment probe --> bit.ly/35i4Gas
