This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On October 22, 2019, the acting envoy to Ukraine, William B. Taylor Jr., prepared a 15-page opening statement for investigators in the impeachment inquiry.
Mr. Taylor, a career diplomat who has served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, described his testimony as 'a rancorous story about whistle-blowers, Mr. Giuliani, side channels, quid pro quos, corruption and interference in elections.'
According to Mr. Taylor's statement, President Trump had used a shadow channel to make America's relationship with Ukraine, including a $391 million aid package, conditional on its government's willingness to investigate one of his political rivals, former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., and his family.
House Democrats have been pursuing the question of a quid pro quo for the military aid since the beginning of the impeachment inquiry. With Mr. Taylor's testimony, they now have a former ambassador testifying under oath that the allegations are true.
Mr. Taylor's testimony has been described as 'the most damning' yet in the impeachment inquiry.
