Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, then-National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper reportedly tried to persuade President Donald Trump to release the congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine that he had frozen.
The New York Times reported on Sunday that the three senior officials had met with Trump in the Oval Office on a “late-August day,” in the Times’ words, so that they could each explain why it was important for Ukraine to receive the nearly $400 million in aid.
An unnamed official told the Times that Bolton told Trump the aid was “in America’s interest.”
Esper reportedly assured the President that much of the funds went to purchasing U.S.-manufactured military equipment and that the aid was therefore an asset to the country.
“This defense relationship, we have gotten some really good benefits from it,” he said, according to the Times.
However, Trump was reportedly unconvinced, telling his top officials that Ukraine is “a corrupt country” and that “[w]e are pissing away our money.”
The President continued to hold up the funds until September 11, when he abruptly released them after Democrats announced an investigation into the unexplained aid freeze.
This is why it’s absolutely essential these three guys testify in the Senate trial, and demonstrates the appropriateness of the Speaker’s actions in holding off on the referral.
Also, what an absolute POS Bolton is for not testifying while hinting he’s got the goods, but saving it for his worthless book.
Really puts pressure on McConnell and Senate Republicans to hold a real trial, with witnesses and documents.
Pompeo, Bolton, and Esper need to be immediately subpoenaed by the House. When they inevitably ignore the subpoenas, expedited court cases should occur. Pelosi now has good reason to withhold delivery of the impeachment case to the Senate.
Don’t give Moscow Mitch the opportunity to cover this up. Let’s delay it until they are forced to appear.
If Trump and his surrogates attack this delay, the response should be: “tell Trump they should stop ignoring subpoenas and show up. The delay is all on Trump.”
Took that awhile to slip out.
tRump thinks Ukraine is a corrupt country and he has the experience to know what corruption looks like, so he’s the expert.
The fix is in with Moscow Mitch. He could agree to call them but insert poison pill restrictions rendering their testimony to be less than useless. I recommend the House force them to show up.
Gee, I wonder how Pompeo, Esper, and Bolton feel about Trump taking the word of Vladimir Putin over their word. It would have been a good time for a principled resignation. But, of course, that presumes you have principles.