House Investigators to Perry: You're Up. Perry: Nope

Spokeswoman for energy secretary says he'll only 'partake' in impeachment inquiry if it's public
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 2, 2019 6:00 AM CDT
Rick Perry 'Will Not Partake' in Impeachment Inquiry
Outgoing US Energy Secretary Rick Perry talks to journalists during a roundtable presser in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Oct. 26, 2019.   (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

The first member of Trump's Cabinet has been summoned to testify in the impeachment inquiry on the president—and it looks like he may not be going. A source tells the AP that Rick Perry's House appearance is set for Wednesday, but the energy secretary has already ignored a subpoena on turning over documents tied to his role in Ukraine, and a spokeswoman from his department notes he won't be showing for House investigators next week, either. "The secretary will not partake in a secret star chamber inquisition where agency counsel is forbidden to be present," Shaylyn Hynes says. What Perry will consider, Hynes continues, is "an invitation to participate in an open hearing where the department's counsel can be present and the American people can witness."

Politico notes Perry is one of the "three amigos," including EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland and former US envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker, said to be part of Trump's shadow channel to Ukraine. Even though it looks like Perry will be a no-show, two subpoenas were reportedly issued Friday to two other White House officials, with appearances set for Monday: Brian McCormack, Perry's former chief of staff at Energy, and John Eisenberg, the lead counsel at the National Security Council who was embroiled in discussions on how to handle the White House memo on Trump's call with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky. Other White House officials are already on the docket for next week, including Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Russell Vought and two officials from the State Department. (More Trump impeachment stories.)

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