The dismissals appear to be retribution for Vindman and Sondland's explosive testimonies to the House impeachment probe late last year, both of which were done under subpoena. A person familiar with the situation says Sondland's ties to the White House and Trump had frayed badly since he testified last year. "He deeply regrets that he will not be able to continue his service at the White House," Pressman said in a statement. Sondland said Trump withheld a White House invitation from the new Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, until Zelensky announced the investigations. In Brussels, a diplomatic source told CNN that Sondland had seen his status diminished in the eyes of his diplomatic counterparts.

Source: CNN February 07, 2020 20:52 UTC