After the events of Ukraine unfolded, the President claimed that the reason he requested an investigation into his political opponents and withheld desperately needed military aid for Ukraine was supposedly because he was worried about "corruption." #ImpeachmentHearing
However, contrary to the President’s statements, various witnesses—including Vice President Pence’s special advisor, Jennifer Williams—testified that the President’s request was political. #ImpeachmentHearings
Lt. Col. Vindman testified that he prepared talking points on anti-corruption reform for the Pres. Trump's call w/Ukrainian Pres. Zelensky. 
However, based on the transcripts released of those calls in April and July, President Trump never mentioned these points or even mentioned the word corruption on those calls.
Ambassador Volker also testified that the President never expressed any concerns to him about corruption in any country other than Ukraine.
In fact, there's a process outlined in the NDAA to assess whether countries receiving military aid are doing enough to fight corruption. In May 2019, @DeptofDefense wrote a letter determining that Ukraine passed this assessment.
@DeptofDefense Yet, President Trump withheld this Congressionally-approved aid anyway—in direct contradiction to the established procedures he should have followed if he truly cared about corruption.
@DeptofDefense Ambassador Gordon Sondland also testified that President Trump wanted the investigations of Burisma and the Bidens announced, but didn’t care whether or not they were conducted. #ImpeachmentHearings
@DeptofDefense I asked Prof. Karlan: Is it common for someone who gets caught to deny that their behavior was impermissible?
Her response: "Almost always."
Her response: "Almost always."
@DeptofDefense If someone's explanation doesn't fit the facts, it might not be a true explanation. President Trump's explanation doesn't fit with the facts. #ImpeachmentHearings
@DeptofDefense If we don’t stand up now to a president who abuses his power, we risk sending a message to all future presidents that they can put their own personal, political interests ahead of the American people, our national security & most importantly, the sanctity of our elections.
@DeptofDefense That would be the gravest danger and we simply cannot allow it.
