One of House Democrats’ witnesses in their impeachment probe of President Donald Trump is retiring from the military, claiming his future will be “forever limited” due to his testimony in the House of Representatives last year.
On Wednesday, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman shared the news of his resignation on Twitter, “Today I officially requested retirement from the US Army, an organization I love. My family and I look forward to the next chapter of our lives.”
In a separate statement, David Pressman — a lawyer for Vindman — wrote, “After more than 21 years of military service, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman is retiring today after it has been made clear that his future within the institution he has dutifully served will be forever limited.”
The statement continued:
“Through a campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation, the President of the United States attempted to force LTC Vindman to choose: Between adhering to the law or pleasing a President. Between honoring his oath or protecting his career. Between protecting his promotion or the promotion of his fellow soldiers. These are choices that no one in the United States should confront, especially one who has dedicated his life to serving it.”
“LTC Vindman did what the law compelled him to do; and for that he was bullied by the President and his proxies. And yet, LTC Vindman would not be intimidated and will not b corrupted. He did what he has always done: put the interests of his country ahead of his own,” Pressman added.
BREAKING: Lt. Col. Vindman, Trump impeachment inquiry witness, is retiring from military, lawyer says:
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 8, 2020
“Through a campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation, the President… attempted to force LTC Vindman to choose: Between adhering to the law or pleasing a President.” pic.twitter.com/un48mu9Pj7
Vindman served as the National Security Council’s (NSC) top Ukraine expert until he was removed from that position in February following his testimony during the House impeachment hearings.
In his testimony, Vindman said that Trump’s alleged efforts to pressure Ukrainian officials to open an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden (D) was improper.
After the Senate voted to acquit Trump of two impeachment charges in early February, Vindman was removed from the NSC but stayed in the military.
Trump addressed Vindman’s removal from the NSC, “We sent him on his way to a much different location, and the military can handle him any way they want.”
When asked if Vindman might be disciplined for his testimony, Trump said, “If you look at what happened … they’re going to certainly, I would imagine, take a look at that.”