The Daily The Saga of Gordon Sondland
Nov 8, 2019
Michael S. Schmidt, a Washington correspondent for The New York Times, sheds light on Gordon Sondland's dramatic change in testimony regarding the impeachment investigation. Sondland, initially claiming ignorance, now confirms direct pressure from Trump's administration on Ukraine for an inquiry into the Bidens. The discussion dives into Sondland's unique journey from hotelier to ambassador and the political implications of his reversal. Schmidt also highlights the impact of this testimony on ongoing inquiries and the media's role in unveiling the truth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sondland's Path to Ambassadorship
- Gordon Sondland, a hotelier with a political interest, donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund.
- This led to his appointment as the U.S. ambassador to the European Union.
Sondland's Ukraine Involvement
- Sondland's role, initially focused on the EU, expanded to include Ukraine due to its geopolitical importance.
- He became involved in Ukraine policy after being briefed on Russia's influence and the need for U.S. support.
Giuliani's Involvement
- Trump directed Sondland and other officials to work with Rudy Giuliani on Ukraine matters, raising concerns about bypassing official channels.
- Sondland felt uneasy about involving Trump's personal lawyer in foreign policy decisions.