US Energy Secretary Refuses to Appear Before Trump Impeachment Inquiry

“The Secretary will not partake in a secret star chamber inquisition where agency counsel is forbidden to be present,” spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes said in a statement, referring to Perry.

“If the committee is interested in conducting a serious proceeding they are welcome to send for the Secretary’s consideration an invitation to participate in an open hearing where the Department’s counsel can be present and the American people can witness,” Hynes said.

Reuters reported on Friday, quoting an official involved in the investigation into the accountability of the US president for summoning US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and Acting Budget Director at the White House Russell Votel to testify next week in the investigation.