Sondland says Pence knew his concerns on delayed Ukraine aid
A U.S. diplomat who is a pivotal witness in the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he worked with Trump's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani on Ukraine issues on "the president's orders," confirming the Trump's active participation in a controversy that threatens his presidency.
Unlike other witnesses who have testified in the televised impeachment hearings, Sondland communicated directly with Trump as he pressured Ukraine to undertake investigations that could boost the president's re-election prospects next year.
Sondland said Trump did not tell him specifically what he wanted Kiev to investigate but directed him to work with Giuliani, who did not have an official role with the U.S. government.
Sondland said he told Vice President Mike Pence in September that the Ukraine aid appeared to be stalled because of the demand for investigations. Sondland said Pence gave him 'sort of a duly noted response' and didn't ask a follow-up question.
