Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman is leaving his post at the National Security Council, Fox News confirmed Friday.
The timeline of Vindman’s departure is unclear. Vindman was apparently planning to leave his post at the end of the month, but his exit could come sooner.
The news comes after reports that the White House was weighing options to dismiss Vindman from the NSC in an effort to shrink its foreign policy bureaucracy. Bloomberg reported Thursday that the White House planned to frame Vindman’s exit as part of an NSC staff downsizing, not retaliation.
Vindman, though, was an important witness for Democrats during the House impeachment inquiry. Vindman raised concerns over President Trump’s July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which he pressed Kiev to launch an investigation concerning presidential candidate Joe Biden’s family.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., on Friday blasted the White House’s removal of Vindman, calling it a “subversion of justice.”
Breaking: DHS Identifies 278,000 Foreigners Illegally Registered to Vote in Federal Elections
‘Shadow government’: Trump claims intel community bragged about hiding Chinese meddling
Trump releases declassified election intelligence, says it reveals ‘shocking vulnerabilities’
Video shows Canadian illegal alien slapping teen over Trump, ICE clothing: DHS
EXCLUSIVE: DHS seeks custody of illegal immigrant charged with murder after Trump deportation, Biden release
New York Democrat Pat Ryan pledges to refund AIPAC money. It could cost him $790,000
Fetterman Draws a Red Line on What Would Cause Him to Quit the Democratic Party
White House addresses growing parasite outbreak after more than 400 Americans sickened
More than a quarter-million noncitizens may be registered to vote in 4 key states, DHS alleges
Retiring GOP Sen. Tillis Vows to Block SAVE America Act Any Way He Can: ‘I Will Use Every Device’
‘A Disgrace’: White House Teleprompter Operator Placed on Leave After Alleged Scheme Uncovered
Secret Service says ‘we have to’ remove swords from statues near White House
Details of Todd Blanche’s behind-the-scenes meeting with Angel Mom revealed after Capitol Hill testimony
FBI investigating after ICE headquarters in Phoenix riddled with gunfire
EXCLUSIVE: Hawley expands USPS probe with blistering letter accusing chief of dodging Congress
“People who disagree with me are not scum,” Nadler told reporters Friday. “It’s more than just settling scores. This is a subversion of justice.”
The House voted to impeach Trump in December. On Wednesday, after a weeks-long trial, the Senate voted to acquit the president on both charges against him—abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
During Vindman’s testimony before the House Intelligence Committee, he drew applause after expressing his love for America, when asked how he overcame his fear of being retaliated against.
“Congressman, because this is America. This is the country I have served and defended, that all of my brothers have served. And here, right matters,” Vindman said. “I knew I was assuming a lot of risks. [My father] deeply worried about [my testimony]. Because in his context, it was the ultimate risk.”
Story cited here.
