White House blocks US diplomat impeachment probe testimonyUS President Donald Trump has blocked a key diplomat from testifying before the congressional committees conducting an impeachment probe against himWASHINGTON - The White House on Tuesday blocked a top US diplomat from speaking to Congress as part of the impeachment investigation of Donald Trump, dramatically escalating the battle with Democrats over his presidency. The move, just hours before Sondland was to meet lawmakers, intensifies the confrontation between the White House and congressional Democrats investigating the president for possible impeachable offenses including obstruction of justice. Democrats leading the probe have repeatedly stated that administration efforts to impede the investigation will be construed as obstruction. They hammered the point home Tuesday after the White House blockage. "The failure to produce this witness ... we consider yet additional strong evidence of obstruction of the constitutional functions of Congress," House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff told reporters.

Source: Bangkok Post October 08, 2019 14:03 UTC