Trump Fires Two Impeachment Witnesses

US President Donald Trump has dismissed two senior officials who testified against him at his impeachment trial.

The US envoy to the EU, Gordon Sondland, said he “was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately”.

Just hours earlier, Lt Col Alexander Vindman, a top expert on Ukraine, was escorted from the White House.

Mr Trump is said to desire a staff shake-up after senators cleared him in the impeachment case on Wednesday.

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Lt Col Vindman’s twin brother, Yevgeny Vindman, a senior lawyer for the National Security Council, was also sent back to the Department of the Army on Friday.

What about Mr Sondland’s recall?
In a statement issued by his lawyer, Mr Sondland said: “I was advised today that the president intends to recall me effective immediately as United States ambassador to the European Union.

“I am grateful to President Trump for having given me the opportunity to serve, to Secretary [of State Mike] Pompeo for his consistent support, and to the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the US mission to the European Union.