Trump dismisses two impeachment witnesses

US President Donald Trump dismissed two senior officials who acted as witnesses 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”.

Lt Col Alexander Vindman, a top expert on Ukraine, was lead from White House few hours earlier. 

Trump is said to make changes in the staff after he was acquitted in is impeachment trial.

Mr Sondland said in a statement issued by his lawyer, “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 the exceptional and dedicated professionals at the US mission to the European Union.

“I am proud of our accomplishments. Our work here has been the highlight of my career,”

Lt Col Vindman’s counsel David Pressman told the international news agency that his client had been “escorted out of the White House where he has dutifully served his country and his president”.

“There is no question in the mind of any American why this man’s job is over, why this country now has one less soldier serving it at the White House,”

“LTC Vindman was asked to leave for telling the truth. His honour, his commitment to right, frightened the powerful.”

“The truth has cost LTC Alexander Vindman his job, his career, and his privacy.”

It was also said in a statement, “The most powerful man in the world – buoyed by the silent, the pliable, and the complicit – has decided to exact revenge.”

However, Donald Trump said as he left the executive mansion on Friday for North Carolina, “I’m not happy with him [Lt Col Vindman].

“You think I’m supposed to be happy with him? I’m not.”