EFTA01653163

Report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse ICIG Hotline 855.731-32601 Fax: 571.204.8088 ICIG News Summary Secure ICIG Hotline: 933.2800 Email: ICIGHotline@dn7gov Secure Email: ICIGHollIneakinlic.gov wwwcinl.govilCIG-WhIstleblowerl Public/Media Inquiries: IC_IG_PAOradni.gov Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community Online version available at icig.bulletinintelligence.com DATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019 8:00 AM EST TODAY'S EDITION This Day In History Graham Says Horowitz Will Testify About FISA Abuse Probe 1945: Nuremberg Trials Begin In Germany. 1 On Dec. 11 12 Whistleblowing News Other IG News Trump Says He Will "Strongly Consider Providing Written Epstein Guards Charged With Falsifying Records 13 Responses To House Impeachment Questions 1 DOJ IG Finds Security Risks In FBI Handling Of Confidential Witnesses Offer First-Hand Accounts Of Trump-Zelensky Call 3 Sources 13 Trump Highlights Taylor, Kent Reluctance To Identify Pentagon IG: US Withdrawal From Northern Syria Helps ISIS "Impeachable Offense." 6 Reconstitute 14 Trump Dismisses Impeachment "Hoax; Will Release Transcript Giuliani Offers Bizarre Explanation For "Misleading' Claims Of First Zelensky Call 8 About Clinton 14 Lawmakers Question OMB's Sandy, Release Transcripts From Watchdogs Say VA Continues To Struggle With Cybersecurity Another Two Closed-Door Impeachment Hearings 9 Issues 14 Additional Commentary On Whistleblower Issues 10 OIG Reports Says HHS' Failure To Modernize Data Practices Assange's Attorney Tells Court He Has Unsuitable Computer In Will Limit Ability To Improve Nation's Health. 14 Jail 12 DHS OIG Report USCIS 'Flags Leadership, Cyber Issues: 15 DOL OIG Calls For Faster Migrant Worker Application ICIG In the News Processing 15 Trump Criticizes Intelligence Inspector General For Seeking DOE: Hanford Employees Lack Protections 15 "Publicity For Himself: 12 Government Now Flagging Nursing Homes Recently Cited For Abuse 15 Impeachment Questions. In a tweet Monday THIS DAY IN HISTORY: morning, President Trump said he would 'strongly consider" consider submitting written testimony to the House 1945: Nuremberg Trials Begin In Germany. on impeachment inquiry "in order to get Congress focused November 20, 1945, the Nuremberg trials began in again: Trump wrote, "Our Crazy, Do Nothing (where's Nuremberg, Germany. Lord Justice Geoffrey Lawrence USMCA, infrastructure, lower drug pricing & much more?) "presided over the proceedings, which lasted 10 months and Speaker of the House, Nervous Nancy Pelosi, who is petrified consisted of 216 court sessions: The trials 'Were conducted by her Radical Left knowing she will soon be gone (they & by an international tribunal made up of representatives from Fake News Media are her BOSS), suggested on Sunday's the United States, the Soviet Union, France and Great DEFACE THE NATION that I testify about the phony Britain: Impeachment Witch Hunt. She also said I could do it in writing. Even though I did nothing wrong, and don't like giving WHISTLEBLOWING NEWS: credibility to this No Due Process Hoax, I like the idea & will, in order to get Congress focused again, strongly consider it!" Trump Says He Will "Strongly Consider" Reuters (11/18, Wolfe, Lynch) reports lawmakers "have not formally called Trump as a witness in the impeachment Providing Written Responses To House inquiry? but House Speaker Pelosi said on CBS' Face The EFTA01653163 Nation Sunday, 'The President could come right before the redacted portions of the Mueller report, as well as the committee and speak all the truth that he wants if he wants to underlying testimony transcripts they came from." take the oath of office...or he can do it in writing. He has every The Washington Post (11/18, Marimow, Hsu, 14.2M) opportunity to present his case." reports that Letter's "request followed closely on the heels of Norah O'Donnell said on the CBS Evening News Friday's conviction of longtime Trump friend Roger Stone." (11/18, story 3, 1:30, 4.62M) that Trump "surprised his own According to the Post, "Testimony and evidence at his trial White House staff' with the tweet. Bloomberg (11/18, 4.73M) appeared to cast doubt on written replies from Trump to says Trump's tweet "contrasts with his defiant approach to Mueller about the president's knowledge about attempts by the impeachment inquiry thus far," and The Hill (11/18, his 2016 campaign to learn more about the release of hacked Samuels, 2.98M) that it comes "despite his repeated refusal Democratic emails by the anti-secrecy group WildLeaks." to cooperate with the investigation thus far." USA Today Reuters (11/18, Wolfe) says that during Stone's trial, (11/18, Jackson, 10.31M) reports, "Some legal analysts Rick Gates, Trump's former deputy campaign chairman, expressed skepticism about Trump's sincerity." "suggested in testimony during a jury trial in a criminal case Lester Holt said on NBC Nightly News (11/18, story 4, that Trump talked to...Stone about WikiLeaks during the 2016 0:50, 6.22M) that "there are questions if it would really campaign." According to Reuters, Gates' testimony happen," and Jim Acosta said on CNN's Situation Room "appeared to conflict with sworn written statements that (11/18, 838K), "Democratic aides at this point say they are Trump gave Mueller." Mueller wrote to Mueller, "I do not recall not taking" Trump's comments "very seriously." Similarly, on discussing WikiLeaks with [Stone]. Nor do I recall being ABC World News Tonight (11118, story 4, 2:50, Muir, 6.97M), aware of Mr. Stone having discussed WikiLeaks with Mary Bruce also said Trump's testifying "seems unlikely." individuals associated with my campaign." Likewise, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) said on CNN's Pelosi Argues Leaving Trump's Fate To The Situation Room (11118, 838K), "He hasn't turned over his Election Would Be "Dangerous." The Washington Post taxes despite saying for years that he would do that. He didn't (11/18, Wagner, Shammas, 14.2M) reports that in a letter to show up in person with Bob Mueller despite saying he would House Democrats Monday, House Speaker Pelosi asserted do that. He sent written answers, which hit looks like he may that -the facts of the impeachment inquiry are 'uncontested,'" have falsified, to the Mueller team. But more than that, we and that Trump "abused his power for his own personal, would like him to just allow the witnesses we have political benefit, at the expense of our national security subpoenaed to come to Congress and the documents we interests." Pelosi "also argued that it would be "dangerous" to have subpoenaed to be provided to the committee. So, he's leave Trump's fate to next year's election because 'the not serious in this process and I don't think it's worth our time President is jeopardizing the integrity of the 2020 elections."' engaging with him on this other than to say we have a lot of ABC Poll: 70% Call Trump's Ukraine Actions evidence right now and we shouldn't allow him to dictate the 'Wrong'; 51% Support Impeachment And Removal. ABC terms for this investigation." News (11/18, 2.97M) reports on its website that according to Politico (11/18, Marshall, 4.29M) says that if Trump a new ABC NewslIpsos poll, "an overwhelming 70% of "were to submit a written statement rather than appearing in Americans think President Donald Trump's request to a person, he would avoid live questioning that could put him in foreign leader to investigate his political rival...was wrong," danger of accidentally perjuring himself." However, "his and 51 percent believe Trump "should be impeached and answers would still be considered under oath." The AP removed from office." Politico (11/18, Forgey, 4.29M) reports (11/18, Miller) says Trump "provided written answers to that "13 percent also deemed the president's push for foreign questions from special counsel Robert Mueller during his investigations of his rivals to be wrong, but believed he probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election." But, should neither be impeached nor convicted by Congress. A Mueller "found many of Trump's answers in the Russia probe quarter of respondents, 25 percent, said Trump did nothing less than satisfying." wrong." The New York Times (11/18, Stolberg, 18.61M) House Investigators Looking Into Whether Trump reports, "The survey found 58 percent of Americans are Lied In Written Answers To Mueller. The New York Times following the [impeachment] hearings closely or somewhat (11/18, Savage, 18.61M) reports that Douglas Letter, the closely." general counsel for the House, told a federal appeals court Impeachment Inquiry To Hear From Officials Who Monday that House impeachment investigators are "exploring Were On Trump-Zelensky Call. Mary Bruce reported on whether President Trump lied in his written answers- to then- ABC World News Tonight (11/18, story 4, 2:50, Muir, 6.97M) Special Counsel Robert Mueller, thereby "raising the prospect that Congress on Tuesday will 'bear from three officials who of bringing an additional basis for a Senate trial over whether were on that call between Trump and the Ukrainian to remove- Trump from office. Letter "told a federal appeals President. Jennifer Williams, a special adviser to the Vice court panel that impeachment investigators have an President, called it 'unusual and inappropriate,- and Lt. Col. 'immense' need to swiftly see the grand jury evidence — Alexander Vindman, who told investigators, "I did not think it 2 EFTA01653164 was proper to demand that a foreign government investigate plan to try to discredit one of the key witnesses in the inquiry a US citizen." Bruce added that 'he most anticipated witness by questioning his motives and his loyalty to the president." of the week is Gordon Sondland, the Trump mega-donor The Post says the "high-stakes appearance could provide turned US Ambassador to the EU. Sondland has already some of the most contentious moments in the public revised his testimony once, admitting he personally told the hearings." Ukrainians that if they wanted nearly $400 million of military "Sources" Tell CNN Trump Has Said He Wants To aid, they would have to publicly commit to investigate the Fire Impeachment Witnesses. Anderson Cooper said on Bidens." Bruce added that democrats announced Monday CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 (11/18, 969K), "Sources tell that David Holmes, who "testified he overheard one of their CNN that President Trump has again said he wants to fire phone calls in a restaurant in Kiev," will "testify in public on witnesses who have testified against him in the impeachment Thursday." hearings, prompting his aides to consider moving those State Officials Heard Of Zelensky's Concerns About witnesses, some of them out of the White House, and back to Biden Probe Pressure In May. The AP (11/18, Butler, their home departments within the government." Biesecker) reports that State Department officials were McConnell Predicts Impeachment Trial Will Carry informed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "was Into 2020. Politico (11/18, Everett, 4.29M) reports Senate feeling pressure from the Trump administration to investigate Majority Leader McConnell said Sunday that the House will former Vice President Joe Biden even before the July phone likely be considering impeachment until Christmas, which will call that has led to impeachment hearings in Washington." push a trial in the Senate into 2020. McConnell told reporters According to the AP, in May, "officials at the U.S. Embassy in in Louisville, "It looks to me like the House is going to be on Kyiv, including then-Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch," were this until Christmas, then it comes over to the Senate. It told Zelensky Vas seeking advice on how to navigate the displaces all other business. ... I don't know how long difficult position he was in," and Vas concerned' Trump and senators will want to continue the trial, but I'm pretty confident "associates were pressing him to take action that could affect that in the end impeachment will not lead to ouster." Politico the 2020 U.S. presidential race." says that timeline means the trial "is almost certain to conflict Embassy Staffer Who Says He Overheard Trump- with the efforts of a half-dozen Democratic senators to win Sondland Call To Testify Tuesday. The CBS Evening the party's nomination for president." News (11/18, story 2, 2:30, O'Donnell, 4.62M) reported, How House Staffers Learned US Aid To Ukraine "Democrats added a new witness to the impeachment inquiry Was Frozen And What They Did Next. NBC News (11/18, late today: the embassy staffer who says he overheard the 6.14M) reports on the events that led to the discovery that President on the phone asking about investigations into the financial assistance to Ukraine had been frozen and actions Bidens. David Holmes will be the ninth witness in a rapid-fire taken to get the money released. Two days after "a round of hearings that kick off tomorrow." The AP (11/18) whistleblower secretly filed a complaint about President reports Holmes "overheard Trump talking about the Trump's dealings with Ukraine in August, two top investigations on a phone call" with US Ambassador to the congressional staffers arrived in Kyiv on a routine business EU Gordon Sondland. The Washington Post (11/18, trip that ended up setting off alarm bells on Capitol Hill.' The Zapotosky, Demirjian, Nakashima, Viebeck, 14.2M) reports aides "work for the Democratic leadership of the House Holmes 'told lawmakers last week that he was shocked to Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for federal overhear" the call in which Sondland "assured President spending.' They had been "dispatched to make an on-the- Trump that Ukrainian officials would pursue an investigation ground assessment of the cash Congress has been pumping of interest to the U.S. commander in chief — a probe which into former Soviet states — including Moldova, Georgia and the diplomat later suggested was of former Vice President Ukraine — to aid their defenses against Russian aggression." Joe Biden. Holmes "also testified that the Ukrainians But after traveling from Chisinau, the staffers 'were shocked 'gradually came to understand that they were being asked to to learn from US embassy officials that there was no new do something in exchange' for a White House meeting or money coming into Ukraine." military aid." Vindman To Appear Before Impeachment Panel Witnesses Offer First-Hand Accounts Of Tuesday. The Washington Post (11/18, Hamburger, Trump-Zelensky Call. According to the AP (11/19), Leonnig, Bade, 14.2M) reports, "The House impeachment "Republicans have consistently criticized the House hearing Tuesday is set to feature one of the Democrats' star impeachment inquiry by saying witnesses didn't have witnesses: Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a Purple Heart firsthand knowledge of" President Trump's "role in trying to recipient who is expected to testify about his alarm at persuade Ukraine to investigate a chief political rival." President Trump's request that Ukraine investigate his However, the AP says that after today's public hearing, -that political opponents." Republicans "are also seizing on posture is suddenly more difficult to maintain" because "the Vindman's testimony as an opportunity, signaling that they two witnesses in Tuesday morning's session each listened to 3 EFTA01653165 the July 25 phone call in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian matter,' rather than U.S. foreign policy goals in the region. counterpart to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden." The references to Biden 'struck me as political in nature given Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman testified before the House that the former vice president is a political opponent of the Intelligence Committee today that Trump's call with Ukrainian president,' Williams said, but she declined to speculate about President Zelensky was Improper" and he considered it his Trump's motives." "duty to pass along his concerns. However, the AP (11/19, Bloomberg (11/19, 4.73M) reports that Keith Kellogg, Mascaro, Jalonick) says Republicans on the panel "tried to Pence's national security adviser, "said in a statement undercut the national security official with pointed exchanges Tuesday that he listened to Trump's July 25 phone call questioning his loyalty: The AP also says Vindman "deflected with...Zelenskiy and that he 'heard nothing wrong or repeated Republican efforts to divulge everyone he told about improper.'" Bloomberg says Kellogg issued the statement it — thwarting Trump allies' attempts to identify the after Williams testified that she "didn't inform him of any anonymous whistleblower who spurred the impeachment concerns after the call." Kellog said, "In fact, she never probe." reported any personal or professional concerns to any other Politico (11/19, Bertrand, Forgey, Marshall, 4.29M) member of the vice president's staff, including our chief of reports that Vindman 'explained that he had already 'alerted' staff and the vice president." White House lawyer John Eisenberg to Gordon Sondland's The New York Times (11/19, Baker, Shear, 18.61M) push for political investigations during a July 10 meeting at reports that Marc Short, Pence's chief of staff, "went on Fox the White House with Ukrainian officials, and that subsequent News to make the same point. 'She said she found the call to reporting the contents of that meeting to Eisenberg he was unusual yet she never raised any concerns with her 'invited to follow up with any other concerns.- Politico adds, supervisor General Kellogg, she never raised any concerns "So he reported Trump's July 25 comments to Eisenberg with the chief of staff, she never raised any concerns with the 'without hesitation,' he testified.- vice president,' he said." The New York Times (11/19, Hakim, 18.61M) reports In a profile of Williams published before her appearance that "because [Vindman] was a key point of contact with today, the New York Times (11/19, Shear, 18.61M) says Ukrainian officials, they sought his guidance on" Rudy Democrats are "interested in what Mr. Pence knew about the Giuliani's "efforts to push the investigations." According to the effort to withhold security aid in exchange for a commitment Times, Vindman, "reflecting the National Security Council's to investigate the Bidens." According to the Times, 'During policy...advised Ukrainian officials, including Mr. Zelensky, to the closed-door deposition, Ms. Williams told lawmakers that steer clear of American politics." she was not aware that the vice president was involved in any The AP (11/19, Mascaro, Jalonick) says the discussions about the investigations. She said Mr. Pence did Republicans' lead counsel "asked at one point about an offer not mention investigations to Mr. Zelensky." to Vindman from a Ukrainian official to become the country's Morrison: Trump-Zelensky Call Included Nothing defense minister." According to the AP, Vindman "called it Illegal. The New York Times (11/19, Baker, Shear, 18.61M) 'comical' and said he swiftly reported it up his chain of reports that Timothy Morrison, the former senior director for command." Politico (11/19, Bertrand, Forgey, Marshall, Europe and Ukraine at the National Security Council, "said he 4.29M) reports that Vindman 'testified that Alexander did not think the president's July 25 call...was inherently Danyliuk, Zelensky's national security adviser, on at least wrong or illegal, but feared it would ignite a political storm if it three occasions offered him the role of Ukrainian defense became public." Morrison is quoted as saying, "I feared at the minister." Bloomberg (11/19, 4.73M) reports that Danyiyuk time of the call on July 25 how its disclosure would play in said today that 'the suggestion 'was made in joking manner, Washington's dimate. ... My fears have been realized." which was clear by the context and tone,"' and "added that is Volker Says He Misunderstood Import Of Push For was also clear that Vindman took it as a joke." Burisma Probe. The Washington Post (11/19, Wagner, Reuters (11/19, Zengerle, Freifeld, Landay) reports that Itkowit, 14.2M) reports that Kurt Volker, a former envoy to "even as he was testifying, the White House's official Twitter Ukraine, testified before the House Intelligence Committee account attacked [Vindman's] judgment — even though he is a today that he "should have realized President Trump's true current White House official, and the president's son Donald motives in demanding that Ukraine investigate Burisma, a Trump Jr. assailed him in a separate Twitter post as 'a low natural gas company that employed former vice president level partisan bureaucrat and nothing more." Joe Biden's son Hunter." Volker is quoted as saying, "I did not Pence's National Security Adviser: Williams Never understand that others believed that an investigation of the Voiced Concerns About Trump-Zelensky Call. Politico Ukrainian company Burisma, which had a history of (11/19, Desiderio, Cheney, 4.29M) reports that Jennifer accusations of corruption, was tantamount to investigating Williams, an adviser to Vice President Pence described the Vice President Biden. I drew a sharp distinction between the Trump-Zelensky phone call as "unusual" because it 'involved two: However, the Post says Volker's testimony is "belied by discussion of what appeared to be a domestic political text messages that he tumed over to the House Intelligence 4 EFTA01653166 Committee last month, which show acting U.S. ambassador Johnson Cites Whistleblower Attorney's Anti- to Ukraine William B. Taylor Jr. raising precisely that Trump Comments. The Washington Examiner (11/17, concern." Pearce, 448K) reports that in an appearance on NBC's Meet Both Vindman And Williams Say Transcript Of July The Press (11/17, 2.8M), Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) cited past 25 Was Generally Accurate. The Federalist (11/19, Marcus, statements from the whistleblower's attorney as evidence that 126K) says both Vindman and Williams testified that "the the impeachment inquiry is partisan. Johnson said, "Now, if transcript of the July 25 phone call between President Trump this whistleblower is to be lionized by the Washington Post, and Ukrainian President Zolodymyr Zelensky was then maybe we ought to take a look at who he hired. ... He substantively accurate." According to the Federalist, "In direct hired Mark Zaid, who said, 'Coup has started. First of many response to a question as to whether the transcript was steps. Impeachment will follow ultimately.' Now, that is not an complete and accurate, neither suggested that it was not, unbiased officer of the court. So, there is something going on except for minor details they found in their notes of the call." here, Chuck. That's my point." Johnson was referring to "a The Federalist says that "blows up a month-long lie pushed tweet Zaid sent out on Jan. 30, 2017, just days after Trump by Democrats and their media allies that the transcript was was inaugurated." Zaid wrote, ltcoup has started. First of partial, or redacted, suggesting that the White House was many steps. #rebellion. /*impeachment will follow ultimately. potentially hiding important details." #lawyers." Nunes Questions Vindman's Claim To Not Know The Washington Post (11/17, Sonmez, Demirjian, Whistleblower's identity. The Daily Caller (11/19, 716K) Macmillan, 14.2M) reports Johnson said Administration reports that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam officials who provided information to the whistleblower about Schiff "quickly interrupted" Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman during the President's efforts to pressure Ukraine "exposed things his testimony today after he "admitted that he had spoken to that didn't need to be exposed' Johnson said, "This would others about" President Trump's July 25 call with Ukrainian have been far better off if we would've just taken care of this President Zelensky. The Daily Caller says Rep. Devin Nunes behind the scenes. ... We have two branches of government. (R-CA), the top Republican on the panel, sask[ed] who Most people, most people wanted to support Ukraine. We Vindman might have spoken to about the call and his were trying to convince President Trump." concerns about the implications of that call." Schiff said, "We In a tweet Sunday afternoon President Trump again need to protect the whistle-blower. Please stop. I want to called for the whistleblower to come forward. Trump wrote, make sure that there is no effort to out the whistle-blower "Where is the Fake Whistleblower?" through these proceedings." However, Nunes "pointed out Bannon Says He Pushed For Alleged Whistleblower then that LTC Vindman had, in his deposition, stated that he To Removed From NSC. The Daily Caller (11/17, Ross, did not know the identity of the whistleblower — which 716K) reports former White House chief strategist Steve Vindman confirmed. 'How it is possible for you to name the Bannon said in an interview with VICE published Friday 'that people and then out the whistle-blower?' Nunes asked then." when he was at the White House in 2017, he was involved in The Federalist (11/19, 126K) reports that Vindman an effort to remove an intelligence officer suspected of being today "admitted...to leaking information to the anti-Trump the Trump whistleblower from the National Security Council whistleblower at the center of the Democrats' partisan due to concerns about leaks." Bannon "said he does not impeachment proceedings." According to the Federalist, believe that the whistleblower needs to be identified publicly, "When pressed on who Vindman spoke with about the call, but he did confirm his involvement in efforts to remove an Vindman said he spoke with two individuals not in the White individual now rumored to be the whistleblower from the House, including Deputy Assistant Secretary George Kent NSC." He said, "I don't think the individual naming of the and another individual in the intelligence community that whistleblower is important, although there was a story in The Vindman refused to name before being cut off by...Schiff." Washington Times...that tied me to the efforts to get, at least, The Federalist says Vindman lestified under oath in a private the gentleman who was named out of the National Security deposition last month that he was unaware of who the Council." Asked if the story was true, Bannon said, 'The whistleblower was." Today, Nunes "pressed Vindman on how individual that was named, absolutely true." it is possible that he might out the whistleblower if he does not Trump: Whistleblower's Identity Is "No Great know the identity of the whistleblower." Secret." The Hill (11/15, Cohn, 2.98M) reports that on 'The The New York Times (11/19, Baker, Shear, 18.61M) Dan Bongino Show," President Trump on Friday "claimed the reports that Nunes also "sought to turn the focus away from identity of the whistleblower who first raised concerns about Mr. Trump to Mr. Biden, leading the witnesses through a his relationship with Ukraine is known to everyone in D.C." series of questions intended to suggest that the former vice Trump said, "Everyone in Washington knows who it is, by the president had intervened in Ukraine's domestic affairs to way. The whistleblower is no great secret." He added, benefit his son, Hunter Biden, despite the lack of evidence." "Everybody knows who the whistleblower is, and [it] has to be 5 EFTA01653167 revealed." However, The Hill says that Trump did not state call Vas first described during testimony Wednesday by the name. William Taylor, the acting U.S. ambassador to Ukraine," who SEC Rethinking Plans To Alter Whistleblower "said one of his staffers overhead the call while Sondland was Program, Sources Say. The Securities and Exchange in a Kyiv restaurant the day after Trump's July 25 phone call Commission "is rethinking a proposal that could weaken a with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that triggered landmark whistleblower program after a pushback from the House impeachment inquiry: According to the AP, "The whistleblower lawyers and advocates, people with knowledge second diplomatic staffer also at the table was Suriya Jayanti, of the deliberations told" Reuters (11/15, Johnson, Prentice), a foreign service officer based in Kyiv." The Washington Post which reports the program "is widely considered a major (11/14, Wagner, 14.2M) reports that Jayanti was the success, resulting in more than $2 billion in penalties against embassy official tasked with accompanying Sondland firms such as JPMorgan and Bank of America and $387 throughout the day of the call." million in rewards. Weakening the program would hamper the Mary Bruce said on ABC World News Tonight (11/14, agency's ability to detect and prosecute white collar crime, story 6, 0:30, Muir, 6.71M) that on Friday, lawmakers will hear say lawyers." from David Holmes, the Taylor aide who heard Trump's phone call with Sondland. Holmes 'will be pressed on what Trump Highlights Taylor, Kent Reluctance To he overheard the President saying." Bruce added, Identify "Impeachable Offense." In a tweet "Lawmakers may want to question the other staffer who Thursday, President Trump highlighted that in their testimony reportedly also overheard the phone call." Thursday, Acting Ukraine Ambassador William Taylor and Peter Alexander said on NBC Nightly News (11/14, State Department official George Kent did not respond when story 4, 0:55, Holt, 5.7M) that Democrats say the call "lies Rep. John Ratdiffe (R-TX) called on them to identify the President Trump to the pressure campaign on Ukraine." Rep. "impeachable offense" in his call with Ukrainian President Andre Carson (D-IN) said on CNN's Situation Room (11/14, Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump wrote, "@RepRatcliffe asked the 1.06M), "What is dear is that what' Taylor's aide "witnessed two 'star witnesses, 'where is the impeachable event in that and what he overheard, I think it reaffirms what we already call?' Both stared straight ahead with a blank look on their know, that President Trump attempted to use Congress- face, remained silent, & were unable to answer the question. approved taxpayer dollars to hang over the head of the That would be the end of a case run by normal people! — but Ukrainian government in an attempt to get them to get not Shifty!" information on a political rival, i.e. Joe Biden.- Taylor, Kent Say Volker Advised Ukrainian Officials Longtime OMB Employee To Break Ranks, Testify Against Investigating Political Rivals. The Washington In Impeachment Inquiry. The Washington Post (11/14, Examiner (11/14, Gehrke, 448K) reports that Acting Ukraine Werner, 14.2M) reports Mark Sandy, "a longtime career Ambassador William Taylor and State Department official employee" at OMB "is expected to break ranks and testify George Kent testified last month that a Sept. 14 meeting led Saturday in the House Democrats' impeachment inquiry, by Kurt Volker, the State Departments lead negotiator for the potentially filling in important details on the hold-up of military war in Ukraine at the time, "deteriorated into an angry aid to Ukraine." The Post says OMB has so far 'served as a confrontation: Taylor was present at the meeting along with bulwark for President Trump against the impeachment Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak. Taylor and inquiry, since top officials have refused to testify." The Post Kent testified that in the meeting, 'Volker discouraged adds that a "senior Administration official...discounted the Ukrainian officials from investigating former President Petro importance of Sandy's testimony and criticized" House Poroshenko, whom current President Volodymyr Zelensky Speaker Pelosi and House Intelligence Chairman Adam defeated in April: Volker "argued that it is wrong to use the Schiff 'for calling him to testify: The official said, "With judicial system to target political rivals. But Zelensky's aide nothing to show after three years trying to impeach the dismissed that rebuke by invoking Trump's desire for President, Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Schiff have resorted to investigations into Democratic politicians." The Examiner threatening dedicated civil servants with subpoenas and says the exchange "underscores the Zelensky team's depositions without the ability to even have agency counsel perception that they were being pressured to accuse Biden of present." corruption in order to help President Trump's reelection WPost: Yovanovitch Testimony Injects Gender Into campaign." Impeachment Inquiry. The Washington Post (11/14, Second Source Claims To Have Overheard Viebeck, 14.2M) reports former Ukraine ambassador Marie Sondland Talking To Trump From Kiev. The AP (11/14, Yovanovitch "has crucial knowledge to impart when she Butler) reports that "a second U.S. Embassy staffer in Kyiv testifies at Friday's impeachment hearing: Yovanovitch overheard a cellphone call between" Trump and Gordon "enters the spotlight as the latest woman who has refused to Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU, "discussing a need acquiesce to Trump in the face of personal and gender- for Ukrainian officials to pursue 'investigations.'" The July 26 specific attacks." The story of her "removal as Ukraine 6 EFTA01653168 ambassador reflects some of the most complicated gender The Hill (11/14, Lillis, 2.98M) says Pebsi "accused and political dynamics of Trump's presidency. Now the Trump of committing offenses more severe than those of impeachment probe is magnifying those dynamics as the first President Nixon, who resigned in 1974 amid an impeachment woman to publicly testify prepares to confront Trump's proceeding." She said, °What President Trump has done on fiercest congressional defenders, nearly all men, about a the record — in terms of ... [asking] a foreign power to help campaign by other male allies of the president to force her him in his own election and the obstruction of information from her post." about that, the cover up — makes what Nixon did look almost Ukraine FM: Sondland Never Linked Aid To Biden small." Investigations. The Washington Examiner (11/14, Pearce, McCarthy Says Schiff Has "Lied Numerous Times." 448K) reports Ukraine Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said The Washington Post (11/14, Wagner, 14.2M) reports that Thursday that US Ambassador to the European Union House Minority Leader McCarthy on Thursday "accused" Gordon Sondland never tied military aid to Ukraine to that House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff "of lying when he country's government launching investigations into Burisma. said Wednesday that he does not know the identity of the Prystaiko "told reporters...that Sandland never asked him for whistieblower." According to the Post, when "pressed for investigations into Joe Biden's son's role with the energy evidence to back up his claim, McCarthy did not directly company while Biden was vice president, according to answer the question but instead repeatedly accused Schiff of Interfax-Ukraine." Prystaiko said, "Ambassador Sandland did lying." Speaking at his weekly news conference, McCarthy not tell us, and did not tell me exactly, about the relation said, "I think Adam Schiff has lied numerous times." The between the [military] assistance and the investigations. You Washington Examiner (11/14, Ferrechio, 448K) says should ask him. ... I do not recall any conversation with me as McCarthy "said Schiff has a history of lying, and he pointed to with foreign minister. It was not we, the Ukrainian officials Sthiff's public, unsubstantiated claims that there is evidence [who were told this]. ... I have never seen a direct link Trump colluded with Russians ahead of the 2016 election." between investigations and security assistance. Yes, WPost Analysis: GOP's Hearsay Impeachment investigations were mentioned, you know, in a Presidential Defense Is "Extremely Risky." A Washington Post (11/14, conversation. But there was no dear connection between Bade, Debonis, Dawsey, 14.2M) analysis says the White these events." House and Republicans "have seized on the lack of Pelosi Claims Trump Committed "Bribery." The AP witnesses with firsthand knowledge of President Trump's (11/14, Mascaro, Jalonick) reports House Democrats are actions on Ukraine to try to undermine the Democrats' case "refining part of their impeachment case against the president for impeachment." But the strategy "is extremely risky. ... to a simple allegation: Bribery." House Speaker Pelosi on While it is true that the diplomats testified that they were told Thursday "brushed aside the Latin phrase 'quid pro quo' that by others that Trump pressured Ukraine, a witness with Democrats have been using." Pebsi said of Trump's July 25 firsthand information — possibly former national security phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in adviser John Bolton — could still emerge." The Post adds that which he asked the Ukrainian leader for a favor, "It's perfectly "if Republicans were so concerned about secondhand wrong. It's bribery." Mary Bruce said on ABC World News accounts, Democrats say, they should allow Trump Tonight (11/14, story 4, 1:00, Muir, 6.71M) that Pelosi's use of associates who do have firsthand information — acting White the word "bribery" is 'a new and explicit allegation, and a House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Energy Secretary major step for the Speaker! Nancy Cordes said on the CBS Rick Perry, for example — to testify." Mary Bruce said on ABC Evening News (11114, story 3, 1:10, O'Donnell, 4.08M) that World News Tonight (11/14, story 5, 2:10, Muir, 6.71M), this was the first time Pelosi used the term, which 'has been "Democrats say they want to talk to firsthand witnesses," gaining steam in her party." including Mulvaney and Bolton, "but Trump is blocking them Peter Alexander said on NBC Nightiv News (11/14, from testifying." story 3, 1:10, Holt, 5.7M) that Pebsi called Wednesday's Aides Move To Cast Trump As Presidential, Above testimony from Ambassador William Taylor and State Impeachment Fray. Politico (11/14, Cook, 4.29M) reports Department official George Kent "devastating! Politico that while the President "typically mocks the idea of acting too (11/14, Caygle, 4.29M) quotes Pebsi as saying the testimony presidential — equating it with being boring," that is "exactly "corroborated evidence of bribery uncovered in the inquiry what Trump appears to be attempting this week during the and that the President abused power and violated his oath by first public impeachment hearings." Aides 'have sought to threatening to withhold military aide and a White House cast Trump as presidential, busily focused on his policy work meeting in exchange for an investigation into his political and above the fray of the impeachment proceedings." Politico rival." Politico says Pelosi nevertheless "cautioned" that she cites a "senior Administration official" who said that the White "isn't yet ready to say whether the House will vote to impeach House "has been making a concerted effort to schedule Trump, an outcome many lawmakers think is all but certain to presidential work and meetings on Syria, opioid abuse and happen by the end of this year." the trade talks with China in an effort" to highlight the contrast 7 EFTA01653169 "between who he is and what he is focusing on versus the video targeting House Speaker Nancy Pebsi." The video partisan impeachment underway in the House." "threads together clips of the California Democrat toeing the Senate Republicans Divided Over How To Proceed line on impeachment, warning that it would be divisive for the With Impeachment Articles. The New York Times (11114, country, before showing the stark party-line vote that Hulse, 18.61M) reports some Senate Republicans are formalized the impeachment inquiry." Also Wednesday, "arguing for a speedy vote" on impeachment articles, which Trump tweeted a campaign ad with the caption, are expected to come from the House, while others see "an "DEMOCRATS ARE PUTTING POLITICS BEFORE opportunity to drag out the historic proceedings and tie down COUNTRY!" some Democratic senators at a prime moment in their NBC Nightly News (11/13, story 3, 2:00, Holt, 6.34M) presidential campaigns." According to Republican senators, described the President "and his White House [as] "the split over how to approach what is likely to be the first downplaying what they describe as a witch hunt, decrying it presidential impeachment trial ever to unfold in an election as boring, and disputing" witness William Taylor's claims in year has been on vivid display in their private weekly lunches his testimony. Trump was shown saying, "I know nothing in the Capitol." about that. First time I've heard it. ... I don't recall. No, not at all. Not even a little bit." The CBS Evening News (11/13, story Trump Dismisses Impeachment "Hoax," Will 3, 2:10, O'Donnell, 4.47M) further pointed out Trump "denied Release Transcript Of First Zelensky Call. ever talking to EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland about Politico (11/13, Forgey, Okun, 4.29M) reports that at the investigations in Ukraine." ABC World News Tonight (11/13, White House yesterday alongside Turkish President Recep story 5, 1:25, Muir, 7.16M) showed Trump adding, "The one Tayyip Erdo'gan, President Trump "dismissed the House's thing I've seen that Sondland said was that he did speak to impeachment proceedings as a 'hoax and said he was 'too me for a brief moment and I said, 'no quid pro quo under any busy to watch' — and then blasted Democrats' choice of circumstances,' and that's true. And the other, I've never questioners at a hearing he said he hadn't been briefed on." heard this." The Hill (11/13, Chalfant, 2.98M) reports "Trump Trump is quoted as saying, "I'm sure I'll get a report. ... I have has aggressively pushed back against the inquiry, accusing not been briefed, no. There's nothing there. I see they're Democrats of a partisan effort to damage his political using lawyers that are television lawyers. They took some prospects." He "has also taken aim at witnesses like Taylor, a guys off television. I'm not surprised to see it because Schiff member of his administration, accusing them of being 'Never can't do his own questions." The Washington Times (11/13, Trumpers.'" Boyer, 492K) says the comment "was an apparent reference ABC World News Tonight (11113, story 6, 0:40, Karl, to Democratic counsel Dan Goldman, who is conducting 7.16M) reported "the bottom line from the White House much of the questioning." Fox News (11/13, Re, 27.59M) also perspective is that nothing changed" Wednesday, as "House reports on its website that Trump slammed "the hearsay- Democrats are still on the road to impeaching the President, laden 'witch hunt" and said, "I'm going to be releasing, I think but not a single Republican has shown any indication of on Thursday, [another] transcript, which actually was the first breaking ranks. That means" that 'without significant, of the two [phone calls with Ukraine's leader]." dramatic changes, there's no way the Senate would vote to The AP (11/13, Colvin) casts Trump as "professing remove the President, and his fate ultimately will be disinterest and disdain," but adds that "even as" he "tried to determined by voters next November." suggest that he was above the fray, the president repeatedly However, Politico (11/13, Orr, Cook, Kumar, 4.29M) laid out his many grievances against the process playing out says while White House aides "dismissed the landmark event on the opposite end of Pennsylvania Avenue." Said Trump, "I as a tedious affair," the "attempt to project calm within the hear it's a joke. I haven't watched for one minute. ... This is a West Wing was belied throughout the morning by a cascade sham, and it shouldn't be allowed." The Washington of combative email blasts, tweets and statements that flowed Examiner (11113, Dilly, 448K) reports that the White House from Trump's outside allies and his campaign war room." has "been keen to portray an image of a president intent on John Roberts said on Fox News Special Report (11/13, delivering his promises to the American people, continuing to 1.53M), "The White House's rapid response organization was work on overhauling the healthcare system, striking a trade buzzing today, pushing back against every piece of evidence deal with China, and mulling further tax cuts even as the Democrats extracted from their witnesses, criticizing Democrats pursue impeachment." However, the Examiner Taylor for relying on hearsay and conjecture, some 17 times adds, "as a heavy consumer of TV news, White House during his opening statement, insisting that" Kent watchers are keeping a close eye on Trump's Twitter feed to "contradicted the Democrats' assertion that there was a quid see how he reacts to the hearings." pro quo." The Washington Times (11113, Munoz, 492K) reports Politico (11113, Kumar, 4.29M) reports, however, that that in advance of Wednesday's hearing, "the Trump 'war "frustrated allies are urging Trump to stop talking about room' kicked off the defense" of the President, "releasing a himself and focus on his army of supporters." According to 8 EFTA01653170 Politico, Trump's advisers want the president to hammer Publication, 7.57M) column, Karl Rove criticizes Democrats' Democrats for trying to subvert the will of the voters in 2016, handling of the impeachment inquiry and argues the probe depriving the country of Trump's strong economy and could actually help the President's reelection effort. America First foreign policy.' A 'former Trump adviser who remains close to the White House" is quoted as saying, "What Lawmakers Question OMB's Sandy, Release it does is go to the broader argument: Partisan Democrats Transcripts From Another Two Closed-Door are trying to undo an American election. ... It's 'us against Impeachment Hearings. On the NBC Nightly News them' instead of 'him against the world.'" The CBS Evening (11/16, story 2, 2:28, Diaz-Balart, 5.31M), which was the sole News (11/13, story 3, 2:10, O'Donnell, 4.47M) reported 'two network newscast to broadcast last night, Jose Diaz-Balart spokespeople...are slated to join the White House staff, said Congress Vrapp[ed] up an historic week in the including the former Attorney General of Florida, Pam Bondi, impeachment inquiry into President Trump with a rare don't have start dates." CBS News "has learned they're in the Saturday session" that featured the 'career budget official" process of completing paperwork, which takes time. And a Mark Sandy, the deputy associate director for national senior White House official told us it won't make much security programs at the White House Office of Management difference because they say the current messaging plan is and Budget, who "broke ranks with the President to tell his working." side of the story: Garrett Hake added that in "another crack Also on the CBS Evening News (11/13, story 4, 0:40, in the White House impeachment fire wall." O'Donnell, 4.47M), Major Garrett said "the President knows The Washington Post (11/15, Demirjian, Bade, Itkowit, and his staff knows for this week and next week, this will be Werner, 14.2M) reports Sandy lestified...that the White Washington's biggest story. What does that mean House decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine in mid-July for...Trump? Awkwardly, he'll be the sub-headline in was highly irregular and that senior political appointees in the Washington's biggest headline story. Not accustomed to Office of Management and Budget were unable to provide an being there." The White House also "knows this complicates explanation for the delay.' The Post adds that his testimony his entire domestic agenda, and talks to advert a government "appeared to confirm Democrats' assertion that the decision shutdown possibly next week. And, all these other things to withhold nearly $400 million in congressionally approved bleed away at the margins what political clout he has on kinds for Ukraine, including millions in lethal aid, was a Capitol Hill." political one: Taylor Testifies Zelensky Told Him Right After In a front-page article, the New York Times (11/16, Al, Trump Call That It Was "Fine" AndHe Was "Happy" With Fandos, 18.61M) reports that Sandy "testified that he was Breitbart (11/13, Pollak, 673K) reports "Ambassador Bill instructed to sign the first of several apportionment letters in Taylor testified Wednesday that Ukrainian President which budget officials formally instituted the freeze on funds, Volodymyr Zelensky told him July 26 that his July 25 call with according to two people familiar with his testimony who spoke President Donald Trump had been 'fine' and that he was on the condition of anonymity to speak frankly. He was never 'happy' with ft." Taylor, "appearing alongside the State given a specific reason as to why the letter was being sent Department's George Kent, was answering questions from out, the people added." The Times says that after their Republican counsel Steve Castor in the House Intelligence interview with Sandy 'concluded, Democrats released Committee on the first day of public hearings in the transcripts of two more witness interviews that took place in 'impeachment inquiry.- Asked whether he was recent weeks. They included Timothy Morrison, the senior "with...Zelensky the very next day" after the call, Taylor said director for Europe and Russia for the National Security he was. Pressed on whether "Zelensky raise any concerns Council, and Jennifer Williams, a longtime State Department about his views of the call," Taylor replied, "He said — so, employee with expertise in Europe and Russia who is right, so — so I, Ambassador [Kurt] Volker, Ambassador detailed to Vice President Mike Pence's national security [Gordon] Sondland, were in his office, and we asked him, I staff." think, how the call [went]. He said, 'The call was fine. I was Bloomberg (11/16, House, 4.73M) reports Morrison happy with the call." "told House impeachment investigators Ukrainians were Eric Trump: No One Outside Beltway "Gives A advised Sept. 1 that U.S. military aid was being withheld until Damn" About Hearings. Eric Trump said on Fox News' The their president announced an investigation of a company that Story (11/13), 'There is not a single person outside the had hired former Vice President Joe Biden's son, Hunter." Washington Beltway that gives a damn about what happened Bloomberg adds Morrison "said Gordon Sondland, the today. It's boring. ... No one was watching it. No one cares. ambassador to the European Union, told him how he had This is going to change one person's mind. They flopped informed a high-ranking Ukrainian official that release of $400 horribly.' million in aid was being linked to the investigations, according Rove: Impeachment Effort Could Help Trump Win to a transcript of his closed-door testimony released Reelection. In his Wall Street Journal (11/13, Subscription 9 EFTA01653171 Saturday." The Washington Post (11/16, Al, Itkowitz, Jaffe, WSJournal Analysis Examines Origins Of Trump's Kranish, Harris, 14.2M) reports on its front page that Morrison Skepticism Toward Ukraine. In an analysis headlined also "told House investigators in sworn testimony that he "Trump's View Of Ukraine As Corrupt Took Shape Early," the feared leaks of the contents of the July 25 call between Wall Street Journal (11/16, Salama, Ballhaus, Subscription President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Publication, 7.57M) considers how the President came to Zelensky would be damaging, so he recommended restricting hold critical views of Ukraine, according to Administration and access to the transcript." According to the Post, "Morrison, an foreign officials. expert on Russia and Ukraine who served on the National Security Council before leaving the job at the end of October, Additional Commentary On Whistleblower said he knew immediately after listening to the call in which ISsueB. The Washington Post (11/13, Stanley-Becker, Trump asks Zelensky to investigate former vice president Joe 14.2M) reports in an analysis that as the impeachment inquiry Biden and his son Hunter that they needed to keep it under "has unfolded behind closed doors, two dueling narratives wraps." about the president's actions have remained distinct." One The Wall Street Journal (11/16, Volz, Duehren, hinges on "a whistleblower complaint...about a shadow Andrews, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports Morrison's foreign policy to undermine conclusions about Russian claim that he spoke to the NSC's top lawyer, John Eisenberg, interference in the 2016 election and damage one of Trump's and his deputy, Michael Ellis, collaborates the whistleblower's 2020 rivals, former vice president Joe Biden." The other "has complaint in August that the White House took action to limit played out in conservative media and on Trump's own Twitter access to the call transcript. In addition, USA Today (11/16, feed." It "relies largely on conspiracy theories and cover Wu, 10.31M) reports that although the President recently stories...about Ukraine's influence in the 2016 election and "attempted to distance himself from Sondland, telling Biden's reasons for going after a Ukrainian prosecutor, who reporters 'I hardly know the gentleman,' Morrison's account was widely viewed by Western powers as corrupt.' The Post "suggests dose contact between Trump and Sondland on says the "two divergent worlds collided on Wednesday in Ukraine." stark fashion with the start of the probe's public hearings.' According to the AP (11/16, Mascaro), Morrison's Politico's Harris: Hearing Was "Brutal" For Trump. account "provided new insight on what others have called a Politico (11/13, 4.29M) founding editor John Harris writes in shadow diplomacy being run by Trump's personal lawyer, his column that impeachment is "a brutal exercise in Rudy Giuliani, often at odds with U.S. national security psychological exposure." Wednesday's hearing 'Was a interests." The AP adds Morrison "described a Sept. 1 portrait — a vivid one, in an especially grave setting — of meeting Sondland held with a top Zelenskiy aide, Andriy Trump being Trump: obsessive, hectoring, contemptuous of Yermak, on the sidelines of a summit in Warsaw," and that process and propriety, as bluntly transactional about military Sondland later "told him that 'hat could help them move the aid to a besieged ally as he would be about a midtown real aid was if the prosecutor general would go to the mike and estate deal.' announce that he was opening the Burisma investigation.'" Breitbart: Democrats Suffered "Clear Political Politico (11/16, Cheney, Hounshell, 4.29M) reports Morrison's Loss" Wednesday. Breitbart (11/13, Boyle, 673K) reports account "adds weight to the version of events that the current Wednesday's hearing Vas widely panned as the two career top U.S. envoy to Ukraine, William Taylor, told lawmakers diplomats who testified failed to offer clear allegations of both in a closed door deposition and during public testimony wrongdoing against President Donald Trump, and Democrats on Wednesday." running the show found themselves on defense in response Meanwhile, Politico (11/16, Desiderio, Zanona, 4.29M) to the Republicans in the minority who were aggressive and reports Williams "told investigators in early November that effective in pushing their counter-narrative.' However, she took notes while she listened in on Trump's July 25 "despite the clear political loss on Wednesday, Schiff is phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from persisting. The next hearings begin on Friday, and then next the White House Situation Room, adding that she viewed week there will be another round of public testimony." Trump's requests for investigations as politically motivated." Opinion: Government Deep State Isn't What You Reuters (11/16, Wolfe, Bose) reports Williams Think, And America Really Needs It. In an op-ed in USA "testified...Trump's insistence that Ukraine carry out politically Today (11/14, 10.31M), Angela Kendall-Taylor writes, "Trump sensitive investigations 'struck me as unusual and and administration officials have sought to distract attention inappropriate."' from the allegations against the president by questioning the The Washington Post (11/16, Sonne, Dawsey, 14.2M) whistleblower's motives and portraying the person, reported states that Sondland's actions "after Trump called Zelensky to be a U.S. intelligence officer, as part of a so-called deep and exhorted him to investigate...Biden — will be scrutinized in state conspiracy. As a former CIA analyst and Deputy public testimony Sondland is scheduled to give this week at National Intelligence Officer for Russia and Eurasia who the impeachment inquiry." worked on Russia and Ukraine for nearly a decade, I believe 10 EFTA01653172 the president's accusations are wrong. They also are something as evidence that is, 'Oh, someone on my staff dangerous." She concludes, "America's institutions are recalled overhearing a conversation between someone else robust, but the administration's response to the whistleblower and the President where they think they heard the President poses significant risks. Americans cannot afford to take the use the word 'investigations.' This is not what due process resilience of our national security process or U.S. democracy and the rule of law in our great democracy allows. And we for granted. And that means we must recognize the can't have a lower standard for the President of the United professionalism of the whistleblower and others who have States. We certainly shouldn't have a lower standard for the come forward and not let the President's attack distract from impeachment and removal of a democratically elected the damage being done to our democracy.* President." According to Conway, Taylor "admitted he had no Opinion: All CIA Analysts Are Whistle-blowers, idea what the President was thinking about Ukraine." Conway Committed To Absolute Objectivity. In an op-ed in the added, He wasn't on the original call and he has never been Livingston County (MI) Daily Press & Argus (11114), former in a meeting with the President. He's never met the CIA officer Jay Grusin writes, "After a 29-year career with the President. That's important." CIA...I can state unequivocally that attempts to discredit the On Fox News' Fox & Friends (11/14, 831K), Conway whistleblower with these charges are inconsistent with why said as a result of Wednesday's hearing, 'We learned and how analysts do their work and conduct themselves. I Democrats have really no case against the President. If this believe these qualities made the memo so credible." He was a real court of law and not Adam Schiffs kangaroo court, contends, "I know the whistle-blower is passionately objections would have been flying from any reasonable committed to that oath, to telling truth to power, and to attorney to saying, 'hey, we just discovered that a staffer of absolute objectivity in providing decision-making support to mine overheard a conversation somebody else was having the president and his team 2417 regardless of who is in the with the President in a restaurant.' This is not admissible in a White House." He concludes, "The whistle-blower's memo court of law. I think that is why the President and people like holds to the highest analytic standards. Note upfront the clear Sen. Lindsey Graham, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, explanation of why it was written and the careful description have said, 'we want to know what the whistleblower said in of sources and the forthright acknowledgment of the absence the first place because we need to confront our accuser."' of direct access to events. Most important, rather than coming Conway added, 'The President is being treated unfairly. I to any judgment, the memo clearly explains what is known think those 31 Democrats who won in 2018 in districts Trump and calls for further investigation." and Pence carried in 2016 are watching this most closely, WPost Al Examines How CIA Analyst Led To much more closely than the country is." Impeachment Inquiry. In a more than 5,300-word front- Franklin Graham: Impeachment Hearing "Day Of page article headlined 'How A CIA Analyst, Alarmed By Shame For America." The Washington Times (11/13, Trump's Shadow Foreign Policy, Triggered An Impeachment Harper, 492K) reports "evangelist Franklin Graham has not Inquiry: the Washington Post (11/15, Miller, Jaffe, Sonne, been shy about rallying the faithful to support President 14.2M) reflects on how the "relatively junior CIA employee" in Trump and his administration," and now "has issued both a August spent two weeks looking at 'notes of alarming judgment call on the events and another plea for prayer." conversations with White House officials, reviewed details Graham said in a statement, 'It's a day of shame for America. from interagency memos on the U.S. relationship with The media is calling the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry Ukraine and scanned public statements by President Trump. 'historic' and it is — historically shameful. That our politicians He wove this material into a nine-page memo outlining would bring this kind of harm to our country over a phone call, evidence that Trump had abused the powers of his office to with the world watching, is unbelievable. ... As Christians, as try to coerce Ukraine into helping him get reelected. Then, on those who follow and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, let us Aug. 12, the analyst hit 'send.- The Post bases its article "on pray throughout the day and all of these proceedings. Pray interviews with dozens of U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the for our nation, pray for our leaders, and pray for President whistleblower report, the White House call record and Donald J. Trump.' The President took to Twitter to write, thousands of pages of impeachment hearing transcripts. "Thank you @FranklinGraham. It is a time of 'shame' for our Many officials and others spoke on the condition of Country. The Democrats know what they are doing is wrong!' anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the issue and fear of Social Platforms Prove To Be No Place To Shield A retaliation.- Whistle-Blower's Name. The New York Times (11/14, Conway: Trump Is Being Deprived Of Due Process. Frenkel, 18.61M) reports that social media platforms are Appearing on CNN (11/14, 802K) Thursday, White House adding a degree of difficulty to shielding the name of a Counselor Kellyanne Conway described President Trump as government whistle-blower whose complaint set the US "very placid" after Wednesday's testimony. Conway House on the road to an impeachment inquiry. In the past continued, 'I'll tell you why. There was nothing new week, a possible name for that person 'has been shared yesterday. ... In a real court of law we'd not be referring to thousands of times on Facebook. Videos discussing the 11 EFTA01653173 identity of the whistle-blower have been watched by hundreds year, and is now in jail fighting extradition to the United States of thousands of people on YouTube. And images professing on computer hacking and espionage charges unveiled after to be of the person have circulated on Instagram...under he left the embassy." dozens of different hashtags." All told, the name has been shared by more than about half a million users of Facebook, according to an estimate from CrowdTangle. ICIG IN THE NEWS: Morel! Urges "Full-Throated" Support For Trump Criticizes Intelligence Inspector General WhisUeblower. In a commentary in The Cipher Brief (11/14), former CIA director Michael Morell writes, 'The many For Seeking "Publicity For Himself." The Washington Examiner (11/15, Chaitin, 448K) reports directors with whom I worked at CIA regularly sent messages President Trump accused IC Inspector General Michael to the workforce. I did so when I served as Acting Director. ... Atkinson of seeking 'publicity for himself in his handling of a I do not know whether or not the current Director of National whistleblower complaint that spurred impeachment Intelligence Joe McGuire has sent a message to the IC proceedings." The public rebuke of Atkinson "comes days workforce on the whistleblower, but I sure hope so because after it was reported the president discussed firing the the whistleblower deserves his full-throated support." Morell government watchdog due to concerns about loyalty." Trump added, '1 wanted to write my own note to the IC workforce said during an appearance Friday on the new Dan Bongino and, indeed, to the American people. On Monday, a former Show, "The IG brought it directly to Congress. Let's get some US Attorney equated the whistleblower to John Wilkes Booth, publicity for himself." Trump "argued that if Atkinson had seen the assassin of President Lincoln. I was appalled and the transcript of his July 25 phone call with Ukrainian angered by such an outrageous and despicable comment. I President Zelensky he would have had second thoughts believe that the former US Attorney, Joe diGenova, should about the complaint focused on that conversation." Trump apologize and that all members of Congress...should said, "When he sees the call he would have been — he should denounce the comment in the strongest possible terms." have said, 'Well, there's no case here." Assange's Attorney Tells Court He Has Graham Says Horowitz Will Testify About FISA Unsuitable Computer In Jail. Reuters (11/18) reports from London, 'WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is Abuse Probe On Dec. 11. Axios (11/18, Basu, 521K) reports Senate Judiciary Chairman Graham announced struggling to prepare for his case fighting extradition to the Monday that Justice Department Inspector General Michael United States because he has been given an unsuitable Horowitz will testify before his committee Dec. 11 'about his computer in prison, his lawyer told a British court on Monday." investigation into alleged abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Assange, 48, 'who spent seven years holed up in Ecuador's Surveillance Act (FISA) during the Russia probe." The embassy before he was dragged out in April, is wanted in the Washington Examiner (11/18, Chaitin, 448K) says the United States to face 18 counts including conspiring to hack announcement, which came "after what appeared to be government computers and violating an espionage law. He multiple delays," is 'a clear sign the report on FBI intelligence- could spend decades in prison if convicted." According to gathering activities related to the 2016 presidential election is Reuters, 'Appearing at London's Westminster Magistrates' slated to be released to the public in the coming weeks." Court via video link, Assange spoke only to confirm his name Fox News senior political analyst Brit Hume said on Fox and date of birth in a hearing that lasted just a few minutes." News' Special Report (11/18, 1.53M), "It is kind of hard to His attorney, Gareth Peirce, 'told the court that her client was believe that this investigation by the inspector general would unable to adequately prepare for his 'very challenging case' have gone on all this time if he did not find any wrongdoing as the computer he had been given was not suitable. 'After on the part of those that were involved in the investigation into months of battle he was provided with a computer but it is not President trump and the way they handled the warrants and the sort of computer needed to work on the case,' Peirce so on. So I think we can probably fairly anticipate that this said." Judge Vanessa Baraitser "said she had no jurisdiction information will say that. It has no direct effect perhaps, on over his conditions in prison." the charges against the President in his current impeachment Swedish Prosecutor Drops Rape Investigation hearing, but it does damage his critics and it does call their Against Assange. Reuters (11/19, Ahlander, Johnson) motives and their behavior into question. And it affects the reports that a Swedish prosecutor yesterday 'dropped a rape political atmosphere, and I think that the likely outcome of this investigation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, is that it makes it easier still, easier than it already is, for ending the near decade-old case that had sent the anti- Republicans both in the House and the Senate to continue to secrecy campaigner into hiding in London's Ecuadorian support the President.' embassy to avoid extradition." Assange "skipped bail in Ratcliffe: DOJ IG's Report On Russia Probe "Likely Britain to avoid possible extradition and took refuge in the To Be Damning." The New York Post (11/17, Brown, embassy in 2012. He was dragged out by police in April this 12 EFTA01653174 4.57M) reports Rep. John Ratdiffe (R-TX) predicted on Fox required. ... During one two-hour period, the indictment said, News' Sunday Morning Futures (11/17) °that the impending both appeared to have been asleep." report on the origins of the Justice Department's probe into The CBS Evening News (11/19, story 5, 1:40, Lenghi, Russian election interference' is "likely to be damning." 4.64M) reported "the union representing the two officers...say Ratcliffe said, "It doesn't take an Inspector General 500 that the charges sidestep the larger problem of chronic pages to say that everything was done correctly and properly. understaffing in federal prisons," while NBC Nightly News ... The IG report is going to find that there were problems." (11/19, story 4, 2:10, Hosk, 6.37M) showed Kathleen Hawk Ratcliffe "predicted that the report will bruise some members Sawyer, Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, saying, of the FBI as well as the Justice Department, especially over "This incident was a black eye on the entire Bureau of alleged Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) violations Prisons." NBC added that in a Senate hearing yesterday, by those investigating the Trump campaign." Sawyer also "said she couldn't comment on ongoing FBI and The Washington Examiner (11/17, Chaitin, 448K) Inspector General investigations into Epstein's death." ABC reports Ratcliffe said Democrats are rushing through Worid News Tonight (11/19, story 4, 2:00, Pilgrim, 7.39M) impeachment hearings before the report is released. Ratcliffe showed Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) asking Sawyer, "Do said, "Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff are racing to get this you concur with the opinion that it was a suicide?" Sawyer done. ... That's why we have five impeachment hearings this replied, "That was the finding of the coroner, sir." Pressed on week with eight different witnesses. They're racing the dock. whether she has "any evidence to suggest otherwise," They want to get this done before information that comes out Sawyer said, "I do not." that damages the Obama-Biden administration and their The New York Times (11/19, Rashbaum, Ivory, Gold. efforts to frame Donald Trump come out in the IG report or 18.61M) reports that the indictment "for the first time laid out a from John Durham's criminal investigation into those very detailed, official account of what happened inside the jail the same issues." night that Mr. Epstein died inside a high-security protective Opinion: DOJ IG Report Should Detail Any FISA housing unit. It said that video evidence showed no one Abuses During FBI Investigation Of Trump. In a entered the wing where Mr. Epstein was being held between commentary in The Hill (11/19, 2.98M), former US attorney 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. when he was found." According to Francey Hakes writes, "While lying to a federal court is a the Times, Noel and Thomas "only discovered Mr. Epstein crime, lying in the context of using our nation's most secret had hanged himself in his cell — 15 feet from their desk — counter-intelligence assets as part of a false narrative to when they went to give him breakfast at 6:30 a.m." The oppose a political candidate is downright dangerous." She Washington Post (11/19, Barrett, 14.2M), USA Today (11/19, contends, "Given what we know about the predication of the Johnson, McCoy, 10.31M) New York Post (11/19, Saul, warrant obtained during the FBI's investigation of President Golding, 4.57M), and Reuters (11/19, Pierson), among other Trump, it appears it lacked reliable information, and the news outlets, also cover the indictment. Inspector General may find the warrant was obtained contrary to FISA and the US Constitution." She concludes, The DOJ DOJ IG Finds Security Risks In FBI Handling Of Inspector General surely will be able to tell the American Confidential Sources. CNN (11119, Kupperman, people the level of experience of the attorneys, agents and Campbell, Duster, 83.16M) reports, "A Justice Department supervisors who signed off on this FISA warrant. His report audit on how the FBI manages its confidential sources found should reveal the entire process and how it went wrong, so security risks in the agency's handling of communications that it will never happen again." with, and information from, its sources.' CNN adds, 'The report, released by the Justice Departments Office of OTHER IG NEWS: Inspector General on Tuesday, examined the FBI's confidential human source validation processes, a program to Epstein Guards Charged With Falsifying vet the credibility of a source and information they provide." The audit "examined information dating back to 2011, the Records. The AP (11/19, Balsamo) reports that Toval office said," and "the report criticizes FBI compliance with Noel and Michael Thomas, "two jail guards responsible for existing guidelines for approving the use of specific sources." monitoring Jeffrey Epstein the night he killed himself, were The audit "found inconsistent methods of communication by charged Tuesday with falsifying prison records to conceal FBI agents with their sources," and the report "notes that FBI they were sleeping and browsing the internet during the hours policy recommends against but does not prohibit the use of they were supposed to be keeping a close watch on FBI-issued devices for contacting sources, so a number of prisoners." Noel and Thomas 'Were accused in a grand jury field agents use their work phones rather than communication indictment of neglecting their duties by failing to check on devices and platforms that are not traceable to the Epstein for nearly eight hours, and of fabricating log entries to government." show they had been making checks every 30 minutes, as 13 EFTA01653175 The Washington Times (11/19, Mordock, 492K) reports detained in prisons in Syria. The terrorist group will likely have that Inspector Genral Michael E. Horowitz said in a statement the 'time and space' to target the West and provide support to announcing the report, "Ineffective management and its global branches and networks, Fine wrote." oversight of confidential sources can result in jeopardizing Among other news outlets reporting are the Military FBI operations, and placing FBI agents, sources, subjects of Times (11/19, Correll, 772K), NBC News (11/19, Kube, investigation, and the public in harm's way." The Times adds Kaplan, 6.14M), Bloomberg (11/19, 4.73M), and USA Today that the report 'dinged the FBI for failing to property supervise (11/19, Brook, 10.31M). its confidential human sources (CHS) and ignoring both Justice Department and internal guidelines," finding that "the Giuliani Offers Bizarre Explanation For FBI failed to validate the credibility of its sources or assess "Misleading" Claims About Clinton. The Guardian the veracity of the information they provided. When such (UK) (11/15, Kirchgaessner, 4.19M) reports Rudy Giuliani reviews were conducted, investigators did not 'review the full "offered the FBI an extraordinary — and seemingly implausible scope' of the source's long-term work for the FBI. 'FBI — explanation for 'misleading' remarks he made on television employees conducting CHS validation reviews told us they just a month before the 2016 election about a 'surprise' that were discouraged from documenting conclusions and could derail the Hillary Clinton campaign." He faced justice recommendations arising from the validation process,' Mr. department "scrutiny last year for remarks he made in Horowitz wrote in the report." October 2016 that strongly suggested he had insider The Wall Street Journal (11/19, Forrest, Subscription knowledge about a secret FBI investigation into Clinton's Publication, 7.57M) reports that the IG's office interviewed handling of classified information." In an interview with the more than 100 FBI officials and visited FBI field offices in Guardian this week, "in response to questions about a 2018 Philadelphia and Washington, DC. The Washington Examiner leak investigation into the matter by the Department of (11/19, Chaitin, 448K) also reports. Justice's inspector general's office, Giuliani acknowledged that he told the FBI that he had 'probably misled' people Pentagon IG: US Withdrawal From Northern when he suggested he had spoken to 'current' and 'active' Syria Helps ISIS Reconstitute. Politico (11/19, FBI agents about the 'surprise' Clinton was facing." O'Brien, 4.29M) says the Pentagon's inspector general released a report today, which concludes that President Watchdogs Say VA Continues To Struggle Trump's "order to withdraw troops from northern Syria, With Cybersecurity Issues. Modern Healthcare combined with Turkey's assault against Kurdish forces, (11/15, Cohen, Subscription Publication, 214K) reported, allowed the Islamic State to strengthen its position there." The "Two watchdog agencies told lawmakers Thursday that the report says "the withdrawal and incursion allowed ISIS to Veterans Affairs Department continues to struggle with 'reconstitute capabilities and resources within Syria and cybersecurity issues, despite recent improvements." The strengthen its ability to plan attacks abroad:" The IG says the audits 'identified numerous information security vulnerabilities DIA predicts that "without counterterrorism pressure, ISIS will — and insufficient attempts to remedy them — at the VA, probably be able to more freely build clandestine networks leaders from the Government Accountability Office and the and will attempt to free ISIS members detained in [Syrian VA Office of Inspector General said during a hearing with the Democratic Forces]-run prisons and family members living in House Veterans' Affairs Committee's Technology internally displaced persons...camps." Voice of America Modernization Subcommittee." The VA was just one of an (11/19, Seldin, 48K) reports that that the DIA told the DOD IG additional "18 federal agencies that had ineffective that the Turkish offensive "will provide the group with time information security programs in fiscal 2018, according to a and space to expand its ability to conduct transnational report the GAO released this summer." The report examined attacks targeting the West." The Hill (11/19, Kheel, 2.98M) "24 agencies, including HHS and the VA, for compliance with adds that the DIA "told the inspector general ISIS exploited the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, a 2014 the Turkish incursion to regroup within Syria and strengthen law focused on information security in federal agencies." its ability to plan attacks abroad, according to the report." Reuters (11/19) reports that the report, "citing the DIA, OIG Reports Says HHS' Failure To Modernize also said that the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al- Data Practices Will Limit Ability To Improve Baghdadi 'would likely have little effect on ISIS's ability to Nation's Health. Health Data Management (11/19, reconstitute.'" Slabodkin) reports, 'How the Department of Health and CQ Roll Call (11/19, Donnelly, 154K) adds that the audit Human Services manages, shares and secures its data is "was produced by Glenn Fine, the Defense Department among the top management and performance challenges inspector general, who is the lead IG for overseeing U.S. facing the agency," according to an "assessment of the HHS military operations in Syria and Iraq." The DIA "also told Fine Office of Inspector General, which contends that failure to that ISIS 'probably will attempt to free' ISIS members 14 EFTA01653176 modernize the agency's data practices will severely limit its whistleblower protections approved by Congress to its ability to improve the health and well-being of Americans." contracts." Auditors indicate 'that data silos at the agency are hampering HHS efforts to leverage data for evidence-based decision Government Now Flagging Nursing Homes making and better managing its programs and operating Recently Cited For Abuse. The Wall Street Journal divisions." The report 'calls on HHS to expand its capacity to (11/19, Hayashi, Subscription Publication, 7.57M) reports the use data in policy making, program management and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has started to deployment of emerging technologies such as artificial flag nursing home facilities recently cited for resident neglect intelligence." or abuse by adding an icon next to the facilities' names. The icon was implemented following reports by the HHS' Office of DHS OIG Report USCIS "Flags Leadership, Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office. Cyber Issues." Politico (11/19, Starks, 4.29M) reports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to Copyright 2019 by Bulletin Intelligence LLC Reproduction complete 'plans critical for evaluating election security or redistribution without permission is prohibited. The progress last year, according to an IG report published last Intelligence Community Inspector General News Summary is week' The watchdog 'said the department neglected to published once a week by Bulletin Intelligence, which creates complete plans and strategies to identify emerging threats custom briefings for government and corporate leaders. and mitigation activities, due to senior leadership turnover Content is drawn from thousands of newspapers, national and a lack of guidance, according to the report." The OIG magazines, national and local television programs, radio also found in May that USCIS "did not implement adequate broadcasts, and additional forms of open source data. monitoring and system access controls to thwart cyber Content is provided as an informational resource only and intrusions and potential fraud. Staff employees who were not does not constitute legal or professional advice or service of officers had the same user access and privileges as any kind. The ICIG does not necessarily endorse, agree with, Immigration Services Officers, generating data integrity or support the views of the cited content, or the views and issues and vulnerability to fraud." opinions of the authors. Bulletin Intelligence can be found on DHS 1G Says Lack Of Permanent Leadership, High the Web at Bulletinlntelligence.com, or called at (703) 483- Attrition Hampering Agency. The Los Angeles Times 6100. (11/18, O'Toole, 4.64M) reports the DHS Inspector General warns in a new report that 'a lack of permanent leadership and high attrition under the Trump administration is hurting the federal government's third-largest agency. ... As of the end of September, 'acting' officials filled almost one-third of senior leadership positions," according to the IG report. DOL OIG Calls For Faster Migrant Worker Application Processing. Law360 (11/18, Subscription Publication, 8K) reports a government watchdog on Monday "called on the U.S. Department of Labor to speed up the processing of migrant guest-worker petitions and ramp up its authority to crack down on H-1B visa fraud." The Labor Department's Office of Inspector General "recommended in a report that the department 'continue its efforts' to make sure that foreign labor certification applications for the H-2B program — which lets U.S. employers hire foreign citizens for temporary nonagricultural work — are processed in time for employers to bring on those workers by the dates requested." DOE: Hanford Employees Lack Protections. The Lewiston (ID) Tribune (11/15, Cary, 50K) reports that, according to a new DOE IG report, Hanford vitrification plant employees 'do not have the same whistleblower protection as many other employees on Department of Energy projects." The DOE Office of Inspector General "released a report Tuesday looking at whether DOE had added enhanced 15 EFTA01653177