Emails Show President Trump Gave Direct Orders To Withhold Ukraine Aid

The transcript discusses the withholding of aid from Ukraine following a phone call between President Trump and Ukraine's president. The Center for Public Integrity obtained documents showing the US's decision to withhold aid, but many pages were redacted by the Justice Department. Just Security reviewed unredacted versions, revealing an email exchange where the Pentagon warned the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that withholding aid could violate a law requiring the executive branch to spend money as Congress appropriated. Despite these concerns, OMB officials stated they had clear direction to continue withholding aid.

What did the Center for Public Integrity obtain that shed light on the US's decision to withhold aid from Ukraine?

• A public statement from the President

• A video recording of a meeting

• Almost 300 pages of documents

• A letter from the Pentagon

What was the role of the Justice Department in the context of the documents related to the aid withholding?

• They released a public statement about the documents.

• They supported the decision to withhold aid.

• They redacted most of the pages, limiting the information available.

• They provided a detailed analysis of the documents.

Who reviewed the unredacted versions of the documents related to the aid withholding?

• The Center for Public Integrity

• The Pentagon

• Just Security

• The Office of Management and Budget

What was the main concern of the Pentagon regarding the withholding of aid from Ukraine?

• It could lead to a diplomatic conflict with Ukraine.

• It might violate a law requiring the executive branch to spend money as Congress appropriated.

• It might cause a delay in military operations.

• It would result in financial losses for the US.

What did the Office of Management and Budget do in response to the Pentagon's warning?

• They continued to withhold the aid as directed.

• They issued a public apology.

• They sought further clarification from Congress.

• They immediately released the aid.