Ten Democratic senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Trump's push for win with Sudan amps up pressure on Congress Putin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize MORE Thursday seeking answers on the May removal of then-ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

The senators, led by Ranking Member Bob Menendez Robert (Bob) MenendezWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Kasie Hunt to host lead-in show for MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' Senators ask for removal of tariffs on EU food, wine, spirits: report MORE (D-N.J.), asked Pompeo not to “impede” Yovanovitch’s upcoming deposition to Congress and shield her from any possible retaliation.

ADVERTISEMENT

The letter accused Pompeo of remaining silent amid a “smear campaign” of Yovanovitch by figures including President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE, his son Donald Trump Jr. Don John Trump'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic requests pardon from Trump: 'Be my hero please' Zaid Jilani discusses Trump's move to cancel racial sensitivity training at federal agencies Trump International Hotel in Vancouver closes permanently MORE and his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani Rudy GiulianiThe Hill's Campaign Report: GOP set to ask SCOTUS to limit mail-in voting CIA found Putin 'probably directing' campaign against Biden: report Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate MORE.

It further claims Pompeo has refused to publicly support State Department personnel amid Trump’s ongoing attacks on the unnamed whistleblower whose complaint about his July call with Ukraine’s president led the House to launch an impeachment inquiry.

“As the head of our country’s global diplomatic force, your refusal to stand up for career employees and support whistleblowers is disturbing,” the letter states. “It is incumbent on you not to further the President’s damaging and unfounded attacks, but to send a simple message to everyone who works at the Department of State—you have their backs.”

The letter also asked Pompeo about specific remarks Trump made in the July 25 call, including referring to Yovanovitch as “bad news,” and for an explanation of why she was removed early and whether Trump or Giuliani gave him specific instructions regarding Yovanovitch.

The letter came the same day as the announcement that two Florida businessmen and associates of Giuliani, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, have been indicted in connection with campaign finance violations.

Parnas and Fruman also allegedly lobbied an unnamed former congressman to get Yovanovitch fired. Details of the indictment align with contributions to former Rep. Pete Sessions Peter Anderson SessionsThe Hill's Campaign Report: New polls show Biden leading by landslide margins The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Argentum - In Rose Garden, Trump launches anti-Biden screed Pete Sessions wins GOP runoff in comeback bid MORE (R-Texas), who has denied any wrongdoing.