Trump criticizes Pompeo after diplomat's damaging testimony

DN Bureau

President Donald Trump suggested Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a mistake by hiring the senior diplomat who provided damaging testimony to impeachment investigators in Congress.

President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump


Washington: President Donald Trump suggested Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a mistake by hiring the senior diplomat who provided damaging testimony to impeachment investigators in Congress.

The president seemed to soften the criticism Friday by adding, "Everybody makes mistakes." It was rare public criticism by Trump of his secretary of state. Trump was speaking to reporters at the White House when he was asked about senior diplomat Bill Taylor.

Also Read | Pompeo slams CCP's military aggression, says Beijing deployed 60,000 troops on India border

The diplomat was hired by Pompeo to run the US Embassy in Ukraine after the Trump administration forced out the ambassador in May. Taylor testified Tuesday about an administration effort to withhold military aid to Ukraine in exchange for political dirt on Trump's rivals.

Also Read | Trump to hold another 'Salute to America' Independence Day celebration next year

Taylor is a former Army officer and longtime diplomat under Republican and Democratic presidents.(PTI)










Related Stories