Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff told reporters Tuesday morning that he was disappointed in the State Department’s decision to cancel the U.S. ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland’s closed door testimony. Further, Schiff said he believes President Trump ‘damaged’ the country’s national security and ‘fundamentally breeched’ his oath of office.

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“Not only is the Congress being deprived of his testimony, the American people are being deprived of his testimony today, but we are also aware that the ambassador has text messages or emails on a personal device, which have been provided to the state department although we have requested those from the ambassador and the State Department is withholding those messages as well,” said Schiff.

Democratic lawmakers hoped ambassador Sondland would reveal key information to enhance ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Trump. Schiff told reporters that his correspondence with “Ukrainian counterparts” would reveal alleged quid-pro-quo between the two countries for the President’s reelection in 2020. Moreover, that President Trump would withhold defense aid to Ukraine until they investigated Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden’s position with Ukrainian gas company Burisma Holdings.

“The failure to produce this witness, the failure to produce these documents we consider yet, additional strong evidence of obstruction of the constitutional functions of congress a coequal branch of government,” said Schiff.

….to see. Importantly, Ambassador Sondland’s tweet, which few report, stated, “I believe you are incorrect about President Trump’s intentions. The President has been crystal clear: no quid pro quo’s of any kind.” That says it ALL! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2019

“I would love to send Ambassador Sondland, a really good man and great American, to testify, but unfortunately he would be testifying before a totally compromised kangaroo court, where Republican’s rights have been taken away, and true facts are not allowed out for the public to see.” said President Trump on Twitter Tuesday, “Importantly, Ambassador Sondland’s tweet, which few report, stated, “I believe you are incorrect about President Trump’s intentions. The President has been crystal clear: no quid pro quo’s of any kind.” That says it ALL!”