Mike Pompeo apparently called Sean Hannity to ask about allegations against ex-Ukraine ambassador Yovanovitch
Fox News' Sean Hannity is in deep with the Trump White House.
The Hannity host was one of the several allies of President Trump who seemed to have it out for Ukraine Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, spreading allegations of corruption against her on his show. And as those rumors reached the top of the State Department, Yovanovitch was told Secretary Mike Pompeo even called Hannity to see if they were true, a transcript of Yovanovitch's congressional testimony released Monday reveals.
Yovanovitch was fired earlier this year after consular officials planned to reject a visa application from former Ukraine prosecutor Viktor Shokin, against Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani's wishes. Allegations that Yovanovitch had corrupt intentions started springing up and making their way to Trump, including through Hannity, who Yovanovitch said she could tell was "close" to Trump.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Top state department official Phil Reeker eventually told Yovanovitch that Pompeo "or perhaps somebody around him was going to place a call to Mr. Hannity on Fox News to say, you know, what is going on?," Yovanovitch said in her testimony. Pompeo was apparently supposed to ask Hannity if he had "proof" of the allegations against Yovanovitch and "if not, stop," she continued. "And I understand that that call was made," Yovanovitch continued, though she wasn't sure if it was Pompeo or one of his staffers.
Yovanovitch said she was never told what happened on the call with Hannity. Find her whole testimony here.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
-
Hainault sword attack: police hunt for motive
Speed Read Mental health is key line of inquiry, as detectives prepare to interview suspect
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Shardlake: a 'tightly plotted, gorgeously atmospheric piece of television'
The Week Recommends Arthur Hughes captivates in this 'eminently watchable' Tudor murder mystery
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Major League Baseball is facing an epidemic of pitcher's injuries
Under the Radar Many insiders are blaming the pitch clock for the rise in injuries — but the league is not so sure
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for Ukraine
Speed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawater
Speed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK Published