“Ambassador Yovanovitch is a dedicated public servant and a diplomat of the highest caliber who has represented the United States under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The White House’s outrageous decision to recall her is a political hit job and the latest in this Administration’s campaign against career State Department personnel. It’s clear that this decision was politically motivated, as allies of President Trump had joined foreign actors in lobbying for the Ambassador’s dismissal.

“By recalling Ambassador Yovanovitch just mere months before her tenure in Ukraine was set to end, the Administration is harming American interests and undermining American diplomacy. We call on the Administration to reverse this bizarre decision immediately. In this period of transition, Ukraine needs gifted professionals like Ambassador Yovanovitch more than ever.”

Background:

Last month, Chairman Engel and Leader Hoyer privately sent a letter to Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo highlighting Ambassador Yovanovitch's tireless advocacy for governance, economic, and anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine, which led to personal attacks against her from certain political actors within Ukraine and from political allies of President Trump, including a tweet by Donald Trump, Jr. Engel and Hoyer urged Secretary Pompeo to issue a public statement of support for the Ambassador.