Defense Secretary Mark Esper will no longer comply with impeachment inquiry
Defense Secretary Mark Esper will no longer comply with impeachment inquiry
In a letter sent to House Democrats on Tuesday, the Department of Defense argues that the subpoena is invalid and violates executive privilege.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-impeachment-inquiry/defense-secretary-mark-esper-will-no-longer-comply-impeachment-inquiry-n1067226
WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Mark Esper will not comply with a subpoena from House Democrats related to their impeachment inquiry, according to a letter sent Tuesday to Democratic leadership from the Department of Defense.
In the letter to the chairmen of the House Intelligence, Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees, the Pentagon cites a number of legal and practical concerns as their reason for not complying. They include the House not officially voting to authorize an impeachment inquiry and that some of the information the House is requesting appears to consist of confidential Executive Branch communications that are potentially protected by executive privilege.
This is a shift from just days ago when Esper indicated he was willing to work with Democrats on the inquiry.
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