Los Angeles Times

Ambassador Gordon Sondland chooses to save himself, not Trump

WASHINGTON - Minutes after he took his seat Wednesday in the House impeachment hearing, Ambassador Gordon Sondland made himself clear: He had come to save his own reputation, not the president's.

The one-time Trump loyalist - a longtime Republican donor from Oregon who made his fortune in hotels - Sondland told the anxious row of lawmakers that he was testifying "despite directives from the White House and the State Department that I refuse to appear, as many others have done."

"I agreed to testify because I respect the gravity of the moment and believe I have an obligation to account fully for my role in these events."

Then, with a batch of emails and fresh recollections in hand, he let loose.

"Was there a quid pro

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