White House denies trying to block Sally Yates' testimony before House Intelligence Committee

The White House on Tuesday denied a Washington Post report that outlines a White House attempt to prevent the testimony of former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates before the House Intelligence Committee on Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 election.

"The White House has taken no action to prevent Sally Yates from testifying and the Department of Justice, specifically told her that it would not stop her and to suggest otherwise is completely irresponsible," deputy press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement, according to CNN.

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White House press secretary Sean Spicer called the report "entirely false."

According to the Washington Post, the Trump administration sought to block Yates from testifying this week before Congress during an open hearing. A letter obtained by the publication shows the Justice Department informed Yates earlier this month that topics she planned to discuss were considered by the White House to be "covered by the presidential communication privilege."

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes canceled multiple meeting this week, Rep. Jim Himes confirmed to MSNBC on Tuesday morning, leading some to speculate Republicans were canceling in an effort to stall Yates' testimony.

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Rep. Adam Schiff, ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Yates' testimony would have included details on former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn's attempt to cover up his past conversations with Russian officials and when President Trump was informed Flynn had misled Vice President Mike Pence.

"Today's hearing would also have provided the opportunity for former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates to testify about the events leading up to former National Security Advisor Flynn's firing, including his attempts to cover up his secret conversations with the Russian Ambassador," Schiff said in a statement, reports POLITICO.

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