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 characterized Ambassador Sondland's conduct as a "domestic political errand." However, by the time that Dr. Hill left the NSC on July 19, Ambassador Volker had only met with Mayor Giuliani once and Ambassador Sondland had never communicated with him. Mayor Giuliani did not meet with the Ukrainian government until early August.

Despite this criticism, Ambassador Volker said that Ambassador Taylor never raised concerns to him about an "irregular" foreign policy channel. The Democrats' witnesses also explained that unorthodox foreign policy channels are not unusual and can actually be helpful to advance U.S. interests. Ambassador Taylor testified that non-traditional channels of diplomacy "can be helpful." Ambassador Volker testified that he always operated with the best interests of the U.S. in mind and to advance "U.S. foreign policy goals with respect to Ukraine."

The impeachment inquiry has uncovered no clear evidence that President Trump directed Ambassador Volker, Ambassador Sondland, and Secretary Perry to work with Mayor Giuliani for the purpose of pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rival. In fact, the evidence suggests that the White House actively worked to stop potential impropriety. When Mayor Giuliani attempted to obtain a visa for former Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin to travel to the U.S. in January 2019, the White House shut down the effort. The State Department had denied Shokin's visa and Mayor Giuliani apparently appealed to the White House. According to Deputy Assistant Secretary Kent, in settling the matter, White House senior advisor Rob Blair said: "I heard what I need to know to protect the interest of the President." Shokin did not receive a visa.

The evidence does not support the Democrats' allegation that President Trump set up a shadow foreign policy apparatus to pressure Ukraine to investigate the President's political rival for his political benefit in the 2020 election. The Constitution vests the President with broad authority over U.S. foreign relations. The U.S. officials accused of conducting "shadow" foreign policy—Ambassador Volker, Ambassador Sondland, and Secretary Perry—were all senior leaders with official interests in Ukraine who informed the State Department and NSC of their actions. Mayor Giuliani, whom President Trump referenced in the May 23 meeting with these three U.S. officials, also had experience in Ukraine. 77