Opening statement of David Holmes, a career public service officer who overheard the Trump-Sondland call:
"I am not a political appointee or engaged in politics in any way," Holmes said, describing himself as "apolitical," like many of the career officials who have testified.
"I am not a political appointee or engaged in politics in any way," Holmes said, describing himself as "apolitical," like many of the career officials who have testified.
Also like many other witness, Holmes effusively praises Marie Yovanovitch, whom Trump attacked on his call with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
Holmes testified that their anti-corruption work became "overshadowed by a political agenda promoted" by Rudy Giuliani.
Holmes testified that their anti-corruption work became "overshadowed by a political agenda promoted" by Rudy Giuliani.
Holmes moves onto Giuliani's smear campaign:
"Mr. Giuliani and others made a number of public statements critical of Ambassador Yovanovitch, questioning her integrity and calling for her removal from office."
Read his statement here: intelligence.house.gov/uploadedfiles/…
"Mr. Giuliani and others made a number of public statements critical of Ambassador Yovanovitch, questioning her integrity and calling for her removal from office."
Read his statement here: intelligence.house.gov/uploadedfiles/…
Holmes turns to Trump's call with Ambassador Sondland:
"The President’s voice was very loud and recognizable, and Ambassador Sondland held the phone away from his ear for a period of time, presumably because of the loud volume."
"The President’s voice was very loud and recognizable, and Ambassador Sondland held the phone away from his ear for a period of time, presumably because of the loud volume."
