GOP senators reportedly 'blindsided' by Bolton revelations

Republican senators reportedly want to get to the bottom of how the excerpts from former National Security Adviser John Bolton's forthcoming book leaked out, The New York Times reports.The word is the leaks came from inside the White House, and "blindsided" senators are reportedly itching to figure out who provided the Times with the scoop about key contents in Bolton's book, including his recollection of President Trump's alleged Ukraine quid pro quo.> Per sources, some GOP senators privately pushing White House for information on who at administration had visibility into the manuscript over the last month. Senators feel blindsided.> > — Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) January 27, 2020They're in an awkward spot with a vote on witnesses in Trump's Senate impeachment trial on the horizon since it will likely be more difficult for Republicans to dismiss Bolton's story now that it's out in the open. Most GOP lawmakers have been quiet so far, though Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) said it'll be "interesting to see what happens" following Bolton's revelation. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), meanwhile, argued the timing of the report feels like an attempt to influence the witness vote; he still thinks it's a "bunch of hearsay" at the moment.> Josh Hawley, on Fox & Friends, on Bolton's book: "Well, I know that the book is apparently on sale for preorder today too, so it's certainly going to sell a lot of books. Listen, I can't tell from the New York Times report what is being reported here ... it's a bunch of hearsay." pic.twitter.com/r9vrs75F2K> > — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 27, 2020But other Republican senators reportedly think there might actually be a silver lining in all this — one Senate source told The Dispatch that the Bolton revelations seemingly make a witness swap of Bolton for Hunter Biden "more viable."More stories from theweek.com Mike Pompeo is a disgrace If Bernie wins Sen. Josh Hawley disputes Bolton is a 'firsthand witness.' Bolton reportedly said he spoke directly with Trump on Ukraine.

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