Donald Trump’s top Russia expert on National Security Council is ‘escorted off the White House grounds amid a security investigation’
- Andrew Peek is on leave from NSC pending a security investigation, reports say
- Peek is the senior director for European and Russian affairs on the NSC
- He was escorted from the White House grounds on Friday, sources say
- Peek’s two predecessors testified in the House impeachment inquiry
President Donald Trump’s top Russia expert on the National Security Counsel is reportedly on leave pending a security investigation.
Andrew Peek, the NSC’s senior director for European and Russian affairs, was escorted from the White House grounds on Friday, two people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.
Peek had been in the NSC role for just two months, after most recently working as a deputy assistant secretary of state with responsibility for Iran and Iraq.
He replaced Tim Morrison, who left the position after testifying in the House impeachment inquiry.
Andrew Peek, the NSC’s senior director for European and Russian affairs, was reportedly escorted from the White House grounds on Friday
Peek replaced Tim Morrison (right), who left the position after testifying in the House impeachment inquiry
Morrison testified that the U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Gordon Sondland, had told him there was a quid pro quo in which U.S. aid to Ukraine was conditioned on the country’s government opening an investigation into Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
Morrison’s predecessor in the role, Fiona Hill, also testified as part of the impeachment inquiry.
Peek had been expected to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland next week with Trump and other top aides.
However, he is currently on leave pending a security-related investigation, people familiar with the situation told Axios.
US President Donald Trump makes his way to board Air Force One at Andrews Airforce Base
Peek served as a U.S. Army intelligence officer who worked under General John Allen in Afghanistan
So far the NSC and White House have declined to comment on Peek’s status.
Prior to joining the Trump administration, Peek served as a U.S. Army intelligence officer who worked under General John Allen in Afghanistan.
He was also a national security adviser to Senator Gordon Smith, an Oregon Republican, and Senator Mike Johanns, a Nebraska Republican.