WASHINGTON – A central figure in former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment has filed a $1.8 million lawsuit Monday against former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for legal fees.
Gordon Sondland, a hotel magnate who served as Trump’s ambassador to the European Union, contends Pompeo assured him his legal fees would be covered when he was subpoenaed for testimony about Trump’s dealings with Ukraine.
“After Pompeo learned what Ambassador Sondland’s testimony was before Congress during the 2019 Impeachment Inquiry – words that were entirely candid and truthful (but uncomfortable for the Trump Administration) – Pompeo reneged on his promise,” said the 21-page lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Washington D.C.
Pompeo’s spokesman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
During impeachment hearings about Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, Sondland was the official who testified about whether Trump had a “quid pro quo” with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden.
The House impeached Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, but the Senate acquitted him.
Sondland said in the lawsuit that he had to hire private attorneys on short notice for the intense examination by congressional committees. He testified for 17 hours before the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight and Reform Committees, the lawsuit said.
Sondland testified that he assured Ukraine officials at the White House on July 10 that a meeting would be arranged between Trump and Zelensky in exchange for investigations. Sondland testified there was a "quid pro quo" that Ukraine would receive military aid in response to investigating Biden.
“Mr. Giuliani’s requests were a quid pro quo for arranging a White House visit for President Zelensky,” Sondland said.
Trump said in response: "I don't know him very well."
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