The inquiry is examining whether Mr. Trump betrayed his oath of office and the nation’s security by seeking to enlist the aid of a foreign power to tarnish a political rival. Mr. Trump has vigorously denied doing anything wrong, calling his phone call with Mr. Zelensky “perfect.”On the call, Mr. Zelensky suggested that he would assist with an investigation of Burisma, according to White House notes of the phone call. The Ukrainian president said that a new prosecutor general would soon be appointed who would be “100 percent my person” and would “look into the situation.”The Ukrainian president said his country was also almost ready to purchase anti-tank missiles, made by Raytheon Co., to be used to better repel armored assaults by Russian-supported fighters. Mr. Trump responded, “I’d like you to do us a favor though.”Allies of Mr. Trump said that a reconstructed transcript of the call showed no quid pro quo, making the impeachment inquiry baseless. But Democrats said that Mr. Trump’s request for a favor and the fact that he had already withheld millions in aid from Ukraine before the call raised serious questions that must be examined.

Source: International New York Times October 04, 2019 11:47 UTC