General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCan someone explain the background to the 1 mil Sondland home renovations?
How did they justify the renovations and who approved them? And was this supposed to be quid pro quo because Sondland was expected to prop up Rudy G in his quest to do Trump's bidding?
If Sondland understood the expectations of a public servant and gave testimony against Trump, shouldn't he also have known that something was fishy about the renovations?
jberryhill
(62,444 posts)This story is reported as if it were his personal residence, instead of a US government facility. It is not *his* house.
Yes, he resides there, but that is also part and parcel of it being a US government facility which is used for functions conducted by the US ambassador to the EU. What sort of facility do you believe is appropriate for that?
These kinds of allegations are something of a trope in reporting supposed excesses, e.g. the apartment that is provided to the UN representative, and which was provided to Susan Rice and Samantha Power in the Obama administration:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-un-ambassadors-perk-a-nyc-penthouse/
In announcing his selection of former aide Samantha Power to succeed Susan Rice as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, President Obama didn't mention one of the best perks that goes with the job: A penthouse atop one of New York's grand hotels.
On the 42nd floor of the Waldorf Towers on Park Avenue is the lavish apartment that serves as the official residence of America's Permanent Representative to the U.N.
Yes, these sorts of US government facilities, which are used for official purposes such as receptions and entertaining, are well-appointed, luxurious, and impressive - as in fact they should be.
I believe it is entirely appropriate - regardless of who is running the administration - that the official residences of US ambassadors should be well-appointed, impressive, and otherwise suited to their multiple functions as a residence, workplace, and entertainment facility.
Otherwise, please direct me to the DU posts complaining about Susan Rice having a penthouse apartment atop the Waldorf Hotel.
Baitball Blogger
(46,576 posts)You're right, they talk about it like it's his private residence.