Gordon Sondland, the former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union and a key witness in the first impeachment trial of Donald Trump, has announced his renewed backing for the ex-president.
Sondland, who in 2019 gave testimony about Trump’s alleged quid pro quo dealings with Ukraine, made this declaration on a live MSNBC segment on October 2, 2024, causing host Ari Melber to show noticeable surprise.
Sondland’s testimony was instrumental during the impeachment investigation, as he was the one who detailed the purported “quid pro quo” agreement between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. House Democrats used this information to accuse Trump of using military aid to Ukraine as a bargaining chip to get an investigation started into Joe Biden and his son, Hunter. This makes Sondland’s recent about-face in terms of his support for Trump particularly startling.
During the live MSNBC segment, Melber showed a video clip from January 2021, where Sondland spoke out against Trump following the Capitol riot, stating that he could no longer back the former president. On being asked if his stance was still the same, Sondland responded, “No, I don’t stand by it and I’ll tell you why,” and went on to explain that his dissatisfaction with the policies of the Biden administration had made him rethink his position.
A prominent Republican donor and hotel magnate, Sondland stated that his discontent with the Biden-Harris administration was the primary reason for his change of stance. He expressed concerns about the administration’s handling of the economy, foreign policy, and domestic affairs, suggesting that the country has been misgoverned.
This recent statement sharply contrasts with Sondland’s previous comments during the impeachment proceedings. His role was pivotal in the impeachment process, as his testimony connected Trump to the contentious Ukraine dealings. Sondland was in the limelight during the inquiry, which started in late 2019, largely because of his first-person accounts of his interactions with Trump and top Ukrainian officials. His in-depth accounts of Trump’s involvement with Ukraine were a cornerstone of the impeachment process.
Throughout the live segment, Melber pressed Sondland for clarity on his stance, particularly concerning his previous statements denouncing Trump. However, Sondland stood firm, attributing his experiences under the current administration as the chief reason for his decision to once again throw his support behind Trump.
Sondland’s unexpected endorsement has sparked renewed discussions about Trump’s political clout and the way members of his party, who were once critics, are now gravitating back toward supporting him. Sondland’s backing is indicative of a growing trend among ex-Trump officials who, despite their past criticisms, now see Trump as a better option compared to the current administration’s leadership.
