George Conway condemns wife Kellyanne's 'gaslighting' for Trump

Couple have one of capital’s most seemingly unlikely relationships

Republican George Conway has condemned “gaslighting” by his wife Kellyanne Conway, over her defence of Donald Trump’s decision to fire a national security official who testified at his impeachment trial.

Last week, the White House announced it was firing the US’s EU ambassador George Sondland, and that Lt Col Alexander Vindman and his twin brother, were being removed from the national security council

Mr Sondland and Mr Vindman had been called as witnesses by Democrats in the House, and provided testimony under oath that was damaging to the president, who was subsequently impeached by the lower chamber.

The president has defended his decision to act as he did, tweeting over the weekend: “Fake News @CNN & MSDNC keep talking about “Lt Col.” Vindman as though I should think only how wonderful he was.

“Actually, I don’t know him, never spoke to him, or met him (I don’t believe!) but, he was very insubordinate, reported contents of my “perfect” calls incorrectly, & was given a horrendous report by his superior, the man he reported to, who publicly stated that Vindman had problems with judgement, adhering to the chain of command and leaking information.”

He added: “In other words, “OUT”.”

Among those also defending the president’s actions were White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway, 53, a Trump loyalist who has been a trusted adviser and spokesperson even before he won the 2016 election.

She is also one-half of one of the most unusual relationships in Washington DC, given that she is married to Republican lawyer George Conway, who has become an outspoken critic of Mr Trump.

How the couple navigate their personal and professional lives, is a source of constant fascination to the Beltway’s chattering classes.

On Monday, Ms Coway appeared on Fox News to defend the president’s decision, saying the Vindman brothers were still employed, but that Alexander Vindman’s White House detail was ended and he had returned to work at the department of defence.

“This is very typical to have a detailee for a temporary period of time who then returns to what their full-time job is,” said Ms Conway.

Raw Story pointed out that among them to reject her argument was 56-year-old George Conway. While he did not mention his wife by name, he tweeted: “When @realDonaldTrump says he got rid of Vindman because Vindman “reported contents of my ‘perfect’ calls incorrectly,” he’s admitting he fired the man for giving truthful testimony that led to Trump’s impeachment.”

He added: “To suggest anything else happened here is pure gaslighting.”