U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland, who testified about President Trump’s Ukraine dealings during the House impeachment hearings, said Friday he had been recalled from his overseas position, hours after a National Security Council aide who testified against the president was also fired.
“I was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately as United States ambassador to the European Union,” Sondland said.
Sondland’s recall follows the dismissal of another impeachment witness, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who was fired by the National Security Council and escorted off of the White House grounds on Friday.
The moves come just two days after Trump was acquitted in the Senate on two articles of impeachment brought by the House last year over his dealings with Ukraine.
With Sondland and Vindman out, eight of 12 officials who testified publicly during the impeachment hearings have left their roles, been fired, or reassigned.
“I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve, to Secretary Pompeo for his consistent support, and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the U.S. Mission to the European Union,” Sondland said Friday. “I am proud of our accomplishments. Our work here has been the highlight of my career.”
The twins can vie for a post in the Ukraine government. Sondland is a moron
More at Fox News
There is much, much more to clean out. The FBI and CIA need a purging as well. We’ve seen that it is dangerous to the country to give committed leftists the benefit of the doubt any longer.
The need to clean up th CIA/FBI is whats needed to help them operate right and that means removing all with any connections to Obama and Clinton
Sondland will return to private life still wealthy, Vindman will return to the Pentagon, I hope not near anything classified, his twin should apply at some nice lawfirm, perhaps Weliegh & Howe.
Red State has a funny article, When You Strike At A King, You Must Kill Him.
Oh, how the left will whine about the Vindman twins. Biden even encouraged the debate audience to give Vindman a standing ovation. Apparently, Sleepy Uncle Joe doesn’t remember that the NSC members serve at the pleasure of the POTUS.
When Obama went into office, the NSC was around 100 employees. Under Obama, who hand picked everyone, it ballooned to over 500. Time to cut the fat. Maybe Lt. Col. (Don’t call me Mr.) Vindman can take the job he was offered by the Ukrainians.
@kitt: And they will all end up with a high paying gig at CNN or one of the other fake news outlets to spew the left’s bullshit propaganda and continue the coup.
@retire05:
That’s because Obama was using it to spy on Americans.
@kitt: Exactly—King Donald is taking his revenge as any Middle Ages Monarch would do. On whose head will the sword next fall?
94% Repub approval—Truly now the Party Of Trump and his marching in step Trumpeteers.
@Richard Wheeler:
So the CIC transferring an officer out of the NSC to another duty station is equal to lopping off their head?
You really are desperate, aren’t you?
@retire05: Revenge is a dish best served cold- dear lady
This is only the beginning .
The good news—-This despot will be gone come the new year.—fallen under his own inflated ego.
None of this means much without some criminal convictions. It’s not enough to fire them, a message must be sent to their replacements.
Criminal activity in government service must not be a stepping stone to a lucrative private career.
@Richard Wheeler: Its been months since the testimony so maybe this revenge is not cold but tepid. We know consequences are not anything the unelected are used to.
Who knows where Vindman will end up or his twin. So do you think it is beyond possibility that the brother was slipped a fake manuscript to leak?
It takes a huge ego to even think about running for President, it wont take him down.
The SOTU address hit every Democrat sore spot, the US recognized President of Venezuela being there was no accident, actually it was a highly crafted evening all around.
@retire05: Democrats don’t feel those who work to weaken this nation should ever be punished. Like Biden said, traitors deserve standing ovations.
@Richard Wheeler:
Yep. And if there is any justice left in this nation, Comey, Clapper, Brennan and the rest of the traitors will be served up on an ice block. Or at least see a cell block.
WATCH FOR ———WAIT———–hold on———–TULSI ON TUESDAY–9% 5th place
Would love to see her ALOHA take on mean old King Donald
BTW As a Major she outranks em all
@Richard Wheeler: She has been there longer and hasnt really gained traction best I see her at is 6%, shame they put Steyer and Yang in the debate when they are lower in the polls.
Why ae you still a Democrat, they are such pricks.
@Richard Wheeler:
Ooooh…maybe Don will become as bad as Obama…with complete military non-loyalist pogroms and unethical restrictions on the free press.
So far, Trump is much less autocratic than Obama. Progress is made.
Funny how Dems don’t know what actual executive leadership looks like. The pathetic propaganda of labeling that “monarchy” or “kingship” is within the dominion of only f*cking idiots.
@Nathan Blue: I asked you before to expound on these “military pogroms” of Obama–I’ll ask again.
Might as well speak on his “unethical restrictions on the free press”–I’ll get two for one
Thanks—watch Tulsi on Tues.
You call that executive leadership—bullshit
It is possible he’s more a Don than a King—but either way he’s over the line on the role ordained by our Constitution and his predecessors in office.–with exceptions like Nixon
@Richard Wheeler: I know you wont like the source but Barry went much further than mean tweets when it came to his attacks on freedom of the press
https://www.breitbart.com/the-media/2017/02/17/11-times-barack-obama-abused-press-freedom/
You can cross check by using your own search engine.
To the list add his attack on Ms. Atkinson and her computer.
Nathan may be referring to arming and traing terrorist groups that Barry called freedom fighters that slaughtered thousands of Christians, or the coup they pulled in Libya.
@Richard Wheeler:
You say that like it’s a bad thing.
Medal of Honor recipient MSG Leroy Petry denounces Vindman as a fraud. But, he just won the Medal of Honor, so what would he know about honor and service?
Let’s take Biden’s word, who gropes children and uses his position to enable his son to graft money to line his own pockets.
@Richard Wheeler: Hi Rich! Sorry for the invective. I’ll calm it down…lol.
So, here’s an article about the military and Obama. It’s not where I learned about this, but saw it from McCrystal on: Purging 197 officers
Most admins have to rearrange staff due to competing loyalties, but that was bad. The issue with Trump’s admin is many still there were alt-Left. They’re not there to promote the Dems. Their there to do what they are told. As vets, we both know this. Obama’s “purge” isn’t that surprising, or necessarily wrong, but I know Trump did not make the rounds on that level, so damning him for firing people because they obviously oppose his policies and will is just good management.
As for Obama limiting of free press:
Again, those articles are not comprehensive, or where I learned about all of this. It was done over time, and Dems and their followers just didn’t see how authoritarian Obama was. That’s why Trump supporters like me laugh when we hear Leftists crying foul now, just because Don argues with the media. Arguing and limiting them are very, very different. I implore you to do more research about it, because it was pretty plain to see.
What, exactly, is Trump doing that’s over the line? I’m just trying to understand, because the “King” thing seems more like fear-mongering than something based on facts. Objectively, I’m listening. What do you think he’s doing that is autocratic or beyond his Constitutional mandates…that every other president hasn’t done?
I really like Tulsi. I think she should pack it up and run in 2024. I think that’s her chance…if her party doesn’t destroy her.
You have to admit, the suppression of Bernie by the DNC isn’t helping people to trust the Dem Party. They need people like Tulsi to oust the insiders, and they need to not let Bloomberg buy the party. That clip of Bannon and Maher, getting heated about the race, is pretty interesting.
@Nathan Blue: It amazes me how uninformed many liberals are about what is going on. Their adherence to liberal sources of information leaves them ignorant of much of what has happened or people are doing. The other post about Bannon and Maher is a fine example; Maher feels it necessary to explain “Crossfire Hurricane” (in a liberal abbreviated version) to his liberal audience because their media has not covered the biased, prejudiced illegal surveillance that it consisted of.
So, often we are challenged to back up our accusations by people who are totally unaware of the events. We COULD provide the links along with our comments, but I like to hook these liberal fish into calling me a liar (always happens) and THEN dropping the links on them. They never seem to imagine that we have facts to back up what we say; perhaps their own personal activity leads them to believe that others are usually lying when they make comments. Note how difficult it is to get THEM to back up THEIR remarks.
@Deplorable Me: The contrast I see with Bannon and Maher is the Conservatives still believe in the give and take of the parties, while the Dems want complete domination, with the Reps being destroyed. That is tyranny, and cannot be allowed to grow any longer.
@Nathan Blue: Democrats can’t AFFORD an honest give and take. The argument against their record, policies and ideology are simply too strong to just sit there and allow someone to present the facts. While the left randomly accuses Republicans of fascism, it is the left that employs the violence, supports the lies and suppresses free speech. We aren’t supposed to notice.
@Nathan Blue: And tone it down we shall—I’m more than happy to debate with you as time allows—-I’ll leave Greg to go 24/7 with Bill and Kitt and 05—as I said I think he does quite well–that allotment of time is fine for them–not me
Where to begin Repubs lose 2 close elections with traditional gentlemanly candidates Mac and Mitt—ENOUGH they cry—Let’s change course at any cost to get a “W”—I UNDERSTAND–If Notre Dame lost 5 or 6 in a row to “hated” USC I’d call for the heads of not only the coaches but a complete over haul of the offensive and defensive philosophies—WHATEVER IT TAKES to get the “W’
Enter Trump a brash take no prisoners self promotor–previously beaten as a Dem and a Reform candidate–Repubs desperate for a win ignore his foibles–“what have we got to lose” they say–total course change is called for.
They are fortunate to face HRC—She ain’t Bill or even Joe who would have run except for untimely death of Beau at 46— With all her faults and poor campaigning–not enough time and money in Pa Mi and Wi–it’s clown Comey’s re-opening of investigation One Week before the vote that gives a surprised DT THE WIN
To be continued later today with a look at operation hurricane and actual obstruction by Trump—
You re right about Tulsi–remember she voted present knowing acquittal would strengthen rather than weaken DT
@Deplorable Me:
Absolutely
@Nathan Blue:
You asked RW a simple answer, and expected him to comment on the purge of 197 officers.
What you got instead was Wheeler’s version of electoral history. And a promise of commenting further at a later date.
Did you really expect an honest debate from Wheeler?
Nathan—operation hurricane was ofcourse the FBI’S investigation into the potential link between Russian interference in 2016 election and the Trump campaign–
Mueller appointed special prosecutor found “Russian interference occurred in a sweeping and systematic fashion” and that there were substantial links with the Trump campaign but evidence available DID NOT establish that Trump campaign had “conspired or coordinated with the Russian govt.” No conspiracy
There were however, as you know, eight instances of obstruction mentioned–Trump was not cleared of those charges
Not 24 hours after declaring his complete exoneration by Mueller DT on phone with newly elected Ukranian Prez
Congrats—-Can you do US a favor—much talk of corruption at Burisma and involvement of The Bidens–will you look into this–my personal lawyer Rudy G. will meet with you—etc
Appropriated funds are not released until whistle blower WHISTLES–Trump gets word and funds are released within 48 hours—Timing very strange–preventing Bolton testimony–he was in the room–damning.
In my opinion and the opinion of the majority of Americans– that is abuse of power-and certainly over the line I did not call for impeachment but certainly a censure vote.
I’ll research this “pogrom” and comment later–thanks for the heads up.
Surprised you think Bernie can beat Trump—At this point he is the front runner–Tulsi just called for Perez to resign–love her
Parasite–best picture–1917 way over hyped
Vegan animal activist Joaquin Phoenix–Best actor
Thank you for your service
Collins: At any time during your investigation, was your investigation curtailed or stopped or hindered?
Mueller: No.
Sounds an awful lot like “no obstruction”. But, that’s just reality and stuff… not part of the liberal belief system.
Mueller report—“Our investigation found multiple acts by the President that were capable of exerting undue influence over law enforcement investigations.”
“The President sought to use influence outside of usual channels including EFFORT TO REMOVE Special Counsel.
There is much more re Obstruction—people oughta read it.
No collusion most definitely obstruction.
@Richard Wheeler:
Did you miss the “were capable” part of that sentence, Wheeler? Being capable of something doesn’t mean you do it. You are capable of donating to pro-life organizations, but you don’t.
And those influences and outside “usual” channels were? And when did Trump try to remove Mueller? I guess for that answer you will have to ask Andrew Weissmann as it is clear, from his testimony, Mueller was nothing more than a figurehead.
@Richard Wheeler: Looks like Tulsi is getting another belly full of the DNC like 2016
https://www.redstate.com/bonchie/2020/02/09/tulsi-gabbard-defends-vindmans-ouster-and-rips-the-dnc-a-new-one/?utm_source=rsafternoonbriefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&bcid=f5211ef4742b1e5c68e7fb647dc71b10
Wonder how long before she turns into a Republican for a fair shake.
@kitt: That will never happen
She’s a staunch environmentalist and animal activist—also a vegetarian and a Hindhu—-comes from a family of Dems and has true ALOHA spirit.
Would not fit Repub mold
BTW –The Repub Party in hibernation as Trumpists rule—4 more of Trump Repub Party will die.
Collins: At any time during your investigation, was your investigation curtailed or stopped or hindered?
Mueller: No.
Sounds an awful lot like “no obstruction”. But, that’s just reality and stuff… not part of the liberal belief system.
@Richard Wheeler: I dont know what makes you think the way you do. The GOP is doing just fine, unless you think winning will kill them.
If you think your gal is the type to be kicked around by Hillarys minions, then she certainly isnt Presidential material. Always room in the GOP for good women if they can take the heat from the progressive harpies. She doesnt have to be a meat eater or a christian of any kind.
The infighting in the DNC shows signs that it is in the death throws, the same old dirty tricks just aint working anymore they are to dumb to come up with new ones.
Biden “lying dog-faced pony soldier.” to a young democrat female.
@Richard Wheeler: Your position on the Burisma investigation is the highly partisan narrative Dem story. It takes more faith to see it that way than I’m willing to give.
A sneaky trick on the polls was asking if people wanted more witnesses. It didn’t parse out all those that wanted Biden, Hunter, Schiff, etc from those who wanted Bolton et al. The majority did not want Dem objectives, as the media cult has tried to sculpt and promote.
Always thankful for your service too, Rich.
@Nathan Blue: Trump’s words—“The conversation I had was largely congratulatory, all of the corruption taking place, largely the fact we didn’t want our people like Vice President Biden and his son contributing to the corruption already in The Ukraine.”
That’s Trump’s words not Dem s story.
Phone call one day after Mueller “exoneration”
@Richard Wheeler: Biden extorted Ukraine to fire the investigator looking into the company that was paying his son $80,000 a month to do nothing. Biden BRAGGED about it on video. You don’t think the facts of that event needs to be determined, particularly before Biden possibly becomes President of the United States?
The entire impeachment farce was predicated on Trump just out of the blue asking Zelensky to give him some dirt on Biden because he was such a formidable political opponent. However, there was ample evidence that Biden was indeed involved in killing the Burisma investigation, which involved laundering US aid money stolen out of Ukraine. This was a totally legitimate pursuit.
Schiff rigged the entire hearing to dance around the issue of legitimate grounds to investigate corruption involving the Biden’s. This was not by accident.
Expecting THIS garbage to result in Trump’s removal stretches credulity to the limit.
No collusion. No obstruction. No emoluments. No abuse of power. No contempt of Congress. Nothing.
@Deplorable Me:
Apparently Wheeler doesn’t know that Russia violated the Budapest Memorandum and Obama failed to enforce it. All the Democrats who were whining about the 55 day hold put on Ukrainian aid were silent when Obama refused to honor the Budapest Memorandum.
Trump actually gave Ukraine lethal aid. Obama refused it, in conflict with the Budapest Memorandum/
But then, Wheeler, and his BFF Comrade Greggie, only know what the current talking heads are yapping about.
@Richard Wheeler: rump’s words—
So? It’s partisan to see the above statement as wrong in any way. The Bidens wouldn’t have had this issue if they weren’t dealing with a corrupt company. The Dem truck is to twist the revealer of corruption as the corrupt one.
It didn’t work. The Dems got caught red-handed and impeachment is just a smokescreen.
There’s more to this story that is being suppressed.
I’m proud to have a Prez willing to route out corrupt Dems who set up shop during the Obama years.
@Nathan Blue: So be it—We’ll settle this in Nov. The only poll that matters Don’t believe the American people will allow him another 4.
Joaquin Phoenix acceptance speech in defense of the voiceless the best I’ve heard in over 50 years of watching The Oscars
@Richard Wheeler:
Well Rich, I’m an American person, and my vote counts. Right? What I believe is just as important as what a Leftist believes, right?
The idea everyone swings Left is a propagated lie repeated by the media and the Dem party. It’s induced groupthink.
And right now, I will “allow” Trump another 4 years…because who else would I vote for? He’s demonstrably done things that have benefited all Americans. It’s just fact.
One other thing I want people on the Left to understand: when you allowed Obama to become a pop-culture icon, performing on SNL and the like, what did you think was going to happen? The presidency became open to people like Trump after that. The Dems invited Trump, and they don’t even understand why. I’m thoroughly enjoying watching him kick their smug, entitled asses up and down the House and Senate Floors. They thought they owned the country after Obama, could rig everything in their favor, and that’s failed.
I love Phoenix, and thought the Joker was incredible. I’ll have to watch the speech.
@Richard Wheeler: So you admit all impeachment was about was to help Democrats win in November? Well, we already knew that.
@Nathan Blue: Now they can only rig half of it, as we clearly saw in the House. They are even losing their ability to rig court decisions.
@Nathan Blue: Barry wasnt the first President on a TV comedy show, just a Cameo in 1968 as a candidate against Humphrey, who was hand picked by the Democrat elites he didnt win a single Primary, we know what happened at the convention, all hell broke loose.
What do you think will happen if Mini Bloomers buys the nomination?
@kitt: But Obama was the first to allow a “journalist” who filmed herself soaking in a bathtub of milk and cereal to interview him. He was also the first President to run guns to Mexican drug cartels.
@Deplorable Me: I agree with the whale in milk, Barry was just the first caught running guns, he should have left that stuff to the CIA.
@kitt: At least the CIA wasn’t doing it to build a case against the 2nd Amendment.