THE GUARDIAN – 01/11/2020: Donald Trump said that he wouldn’t allow John Bolton to testify at his impeachment trial. Bolton, the former national security adviser, said that he would give his testimony if he gets officially called to the court.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump told the host Laura Ingraham that he has no objections to any of the witnesses. POTUS said that he personally doesn’t have anything against Bolton, Mike Pompeo, or Mick Mulvaney being called to the stands.
But, as a President of the United States, there are things he can’t allow. Trump said that he as POTUS couldn’t have Bolton, a former national security adviser talking about national security issues regarding North Korea, Russia, or China.
Mr. President has the right to use executive privilege if he wants to prevent Bolton from testifying. When asked if he will do such thing, POTUS said that if left with no other choice, he will.
Democrats believe Bolton might be a key figure in impeaching Trump. They trust that he has essential information regarding Trump’s deal with Ukraine. As you probably know, Trump allegedly asked Ukrainian president to launch an investigation on Joe Biden regarding his involvement in corruption. Biden is one of the possible adversaries of Donald Trump in the upcoming elections. He wanted this investigation launched, and as a reward, he promised a $400 million aid to Ukraine for their war against pro-Russian forces.
Because of these actions, the Democrat-led House brought impeachment on Trump under two articles. He is accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Nancy Pelosi will send the articles to Senate next week, and the trial is expected right after.
The information gathered in impeachment hearings includes testimonies from many White House aides, and also from Bolton. It seems that Bolton was against any kind of deal with Ukraine and deemed any such agreement as illegal.
Source: theguardian.com
Nina Smith 