CNN: Trump Suggested Having Impeachment Witnesses Fired

President Donald Trump responds to a question from a reporter at an event for the signing of two executive orders aimed at greater governmental transparency at the White House October 9, 2019. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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President Donald Trump has reportedly floated firing administration officials who have testified in the House impeachment investigation into Trump’s Ukraine scheme.

CNN reported on Monday night that Trump, ever fixated with loyalty, has suggested having Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a Pentagon official who currently serves on the National Security Council, and Ambassador Bill Taylor fired after both provided key testimony on Trump’s attempt to manipulate U.S. relations with Ukraine for political gain.

Unnamed sources told CNN that White House aides warned Trump against forcing out the witnesses, advising that doing so would be seen as retaliation.

As an alternative, the aides are reportedly considering having witnesses with temporary posts at the White House, such as Vindman, removed from their posts and returned to their agencies.

National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien told CBS News’ “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan last week that Vindman will eventually be sent back to the Pentagon as part of the White House’s “streamlining” efforts. He denied any retaliation against Vindman.

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Notable Replies

  1. White House’s “streamlining” efforts

    Also known as a “witness reduction program.”

  2. “White House aides warned Trump against forcing out the witnesses, advising that doing so would be seen as retaliation.”

    Some experts agree that being seen pouring gasoline on a structure, pulling a matchbox from your pocket, lighting a match, and throwing the burning match onto a strategically placed pile of oily rags that are placed on the building’s main floor would be seen as arson.

  3. National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien told CBS News’ “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan last week that Vindman will eventually be sent back to the Pentagon as part of the White House’s “streamlining” efforts. He denied any retaliation against Vindman.

    I can sleep well at night knowing that Robert O’Brien, a lick-spittle who does the bidding of a Russian stooge, and then lies about it, is making key decisions about our country’s National Security!

  4. White House aides warned Trump against forcing out the witnesses, advising that doing so would be seen as retaliation.

    Trump then fired those White House aides in retaliation.

  5. How about we just streamline you, Donald? So much simpler. Saves taxpayer dollars. You’ll have more time to spend with your defense attorneys.

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