Note that it says nothing about Trump's motives -- be they for reasons of "fighting corruption" or personal political gain -- just that the hold itself violated the law.
White House violated the law by freezing Ukraine aid, GAO says
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/...e-law-by-freezing-ukraine-aid-gao-says-099682
GAO, an independent nonpartisan government watchdog that responds to congressional requests, said the White House attempted to justify its decision not to notify Congress by claiming it was simply a “programmatic delay.” But GAO rejected that claim, saying Trump’s decision, carried out by the budget office, was a violation of the Impoundment Control Act, which requires notification to Congress of any such delay in an appropriation of funds.
“OMB’s assertions have no basis in law,” the GAO argues, referring to the White House Office of Management and Budget.
OMB spokeswoman Rachel Semmel pushed back on GAO’s conclusions.
“We disagree with GAO's opinion,” Semmel said. “OMB uses its apportionment authority to ensure taxpayer dollars are properly spent consistent with the president’s priorities and with the law.”
The GAO report also states that OMB and the State Department “failed” to provide all of the information that was necessary for its investigation. That decision will likely fuel Democrats’ arguments in the Senate trial that Trump has attempted to obstruct Congress’ ability to investigate the Ukraine matter and that he’s been engaged in a coverup.
White House violated the law by freezing Ukraine aid, GAO says
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/...e-law-by-freezing-ukraine-aid-gao-says-099682
GAO, an independent nonpartisan government watchdog that responds to congressional requests, said the White House attempted to justify its decision not to notify Congress by claiming it was simply a “programmatic delay.” But GAO rejected that claim, saying Trump’s decision, carried out by the budget office, was a violation of the Impoundment Control Act, which requires notification to Congress of any such delay in an appropriation of funds.
“OMB’s assertions have no basis in law,” the GAO argues, referring to the White House Office of Management and Budget.
OMB spokeswoman Rachel Semmel pushed back on GAO’s conclusions.
“We disagree with GAO's opinion,” Semmel said. “OMB uses its apportionment authority to ensure taxpayer dollars are properly spent consistent with the president’s priorities and with the law.”
The GAO report also states that OMB and the State Department “failed” to provide all of the information that was necessary for its investigation. That decision will likely fuel Democrats’ arguments in the Senate trial that Trump has attempted to obstruct Congress’ ability to investigate the Ukraine matter and that he’s been engaged in a coverup.