He was defending a trip he took to wimbledon which the inspector general, hes one of many cabinet members here, who is doing some unauthorized and expensive flights. But he also says that he was actually being railroaded by other members of this administration who had strong disagreements with him on the privatization of some medical services at the va. This is how he explained it this morning to npr. As you said, there are Many Political appointees in the va that believe that we are moving in the wrong direction or werent moving fast enough towards privatizing the va. As ive always said, i think that its essential for National Security and for the country that we honor our commitment by having a strong va. I was not against reforming va, but i was against privatization, and i think that it was really the political appointees that were trying to undermine our efforts at va. So this really speaks, brianna, to the level of dysfunction that has, indeed, been rising month by month in this
Republicans hear and the public to fully support impeachment . Or will it do the opposite . Thats all coming up. Were hot in the middle of week number five of the impeachment inquiry. 13 new witnesses discussing the president s conduct in front of the colleagues but of the close door type, this despite having none on friday. Former john bolton aid, Charles Kupperman did not comply. Or an order from the white house. The judge set a midseptember date to hear oral arguments on that. Tuesday, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman testified. Notable here, a military man who was one of the few on the call in question between the president s of the u. S. And ukraine. Vindman is the nsas top ukraine expert. He testified that the transcript of that call omitted crucial words and phrases. Plus, that his attempts to correct that transcript failed. Vindman said he quote, did not think it was proper for the president to ask a foreign power to investigate a domestic political rival. That gets us to w
Congressman from florida. Hes also an maple political contributor. Mack is with me, former white house chief of staff for president clinton. James holden, and republican political consultant Shermichael Singleton who worked on the president ial campaigns of mitt romney, Newt Gingrich and others. I want to read this portion of your story that i caught this morning, and ill read it for our listeners on sirius sat late radio especially here. While trump threw republicans a bone by disavowing the chant midday thursday, the damage had already been done to senators who have repeatedly urged him to focus on issues. How light thighlight the boomin economy and avoid personal attacks. But trump has shown no sign of course direction despite distancing himself from the chant. Even some of his Campaign Advisers said they worry he will make matters worse while hes visiting his Bedminster New Jersey Golf Club this weekend. Gaby, what do we know about how aides are trying to control this fire . We alr
This is week 5. This is the week it shaped up. 13 new witnesses discussing the president s conduct. John boltons aide cupperman did not comply. His lawyer asked the judge to rule on whether hes required to comply with a congressional subpoena or an order from the white house. A judge set a middecember date to hear oral arguments. Colonel vindman, a military man who was on the call between the president s. Hes the nsas top ukraine expert. He testified that the transcript of that call omitted crucial words and phrases, plus his attempts to correct that transcript failed vindman said he did not think it was proper for the president to ask a foreign power to investigate a political rival. Wednesday two aides, Catherine Croft and Christopher Anderson said the president s attitude was out of step with most white house and state department officials. They viewed support for ukraine as critical. Then on the last day of testimony, thursday, the nscs senior director, tim morrison corroborated ea