White House official told whistleblower Trump Ukraine call was 'frightening'
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/white-house-official-told-whistleblower-trump-ukraine-call/story?id=66141284
A White House official listening to President Donald Trumps July 25 phone call with Ukraines president described the call as crazy and frightening and was visibly shaken, according to notes taken by the intelligence official who filed a formal whistleblower complaint after speaking with the official, and others.
ABC News has learned that the two-page memo, written by the whistleblower a day after Trumps call, suggests that at least one aide to the president feared that Trumps own words in the call were damning. According to a rough transcript of the call released by the White House, Trump asked Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelenskiy to launch an investigation into a political opponent, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, and his son.
The notes were based on a brief conversation between the whistleblower and the White House official and described highlights from the presidents call. The document was later provided to the intelligence communitys inspector general, who reviewed the whistleblowers complaint. The IG has determined the complaint appeared credible and of urgent concern.
The White House had not responded to a request for comment. Trump has defended the call as acting on his duty as president to end corruption even if that means requesting the help of a foreign country or countries.