Vindman retires, citing ‘bullying’ from Trump
WASHINGTON – The Army officer who testified in President Donald Trump’s impeachment inquiry announced Wednesday that he will retire from the military, citing intimidation from the White House.
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an Iraq war veteran and Purple Heart recipient, had seen his promotion to colonel delayed this summer, a hold-up that some viewed as retaliation for his impeachment testimony.
Vindman testified last fall that he was alarmed by Trump’s July 25 call with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which Trump asked the Ukrainian leader to open investigations of former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, who had business interests in the country.
That conversation triggered Trump’s impeachment, and Vindman became a star witness in the House Democrats’ probe.
Vindman cited “bullying, intimidation and retaliation” by Trump in explaining his decision to retire, according to a statement from his lawyer David Pressman.
“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 forever be limited,” Pressman said.
“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.”
He said Vindman chose to put the interests of his country ahead of his own.
“LTC Vindman’s patriotism has cost him his career. Today our country loses a devoted soldier, but it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure it does not lose the values he represents,” the lawyer said.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., moved last week to block over 1,100 military promotions until the Pentagon promised not to interfere in Vindman’s promotion to colonel.