CNN reported that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused the Democratic controlled US House of Representatives of intimidating and bullying State Department officials by calling for their depositions in the Ukraine inquiry.
"I'm concerned with aspects of the Committee's request that can be understood only as an attempt to intimidate, bully, & treat improperly the distinguished professionals of the Department of State, including several career FSOs," he tweeted.
"Let me be clear: I will not tolerate such tactics, and I will use all means at my disposal to prevent and expose any attempts to intimidate the dedicated professionals whom I am proud to lead and serve alongside at the Department of State," he added in a second tweet.
Secretary Pompeo also refused to appear at planned depositions, saying that they "do not provide adequate time for the Department and its employees to prepare."