LTC Alexander Vindman is retiring from the army after spending over two decades in military service, according to his attorney.
Amb. David Pressman LTC Vindman’s attorney said in a statement that Vindman –a key witness in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial– has endured a “campaign of bullying, intimidation, and retaliation” led by the Donald Trump following his testimony in the House impeachment inquiry last year.
“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,” Pressman said. “These are choices that no one in the United States should confront, especially one who has dedicated his life to serving it.”
Since his testimony, Trump’s allies in right-wing media and on Capitol Hill have maligned Vindman’s character and questioned his patriotism. And Donald Trump, out to get revenge against anyone who testified against him during his impeachment, made his life miserable.
In February Trump fired both LTC Alexander Vindman and his twin brother Yevgeny from the National Security Council. Also, there are allegations that the White House is attempting to block Vindman’s promotion to the rank of colonel.
This led Democratic senator from Illinois and retired army officer, Sen. Tammy Duckworth to announce that she intends to block 1,123 military promotions until Defense Secretary Mark Esper “confirms in writing that he did not, or will not, block the expected and deserved promotion” of Vindman to colonel.
His attorney said Vindman believes his future in the army “will forever be limited” due to political retaliation from Trump and his allies.