Retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a key witness in President Donald Trump’s impeachment inquiry, said Monday evening he has no regrets about delivering the explosive testimony that created fierce backlash from Trump and ultimately led to his early exit from the military.
Vindman has no regrets over impeachment testimony
“So I think that, in the end, I have no regrets about how things turned out. Yes, I left the military unforeseen. I had every intention staying on and going on to war college. But I think my role may have been, in certain ways, more important in that I was able to do my part, defend this nation in a very meaningful manner and expose corruption by the chief executive. I feel that in that regard that I have served my nation,” Vindman said during an interview on CNN.
Vindman testified during public impeachment hearings that Trump’s push for Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden was “inappropriate” and that he knew “without hesitation” that he had to report it. He said that he reported his concerns out of a “sense of duty,” and he defended his fellow witnesses from what he described as “reprehensible” attacks.
Ret. Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman says the military hasn't properly supported him following his testimony in Pres. Trump's impeachment trial.
"No, they haven't… At no point did any senior leader, civilian or military… indicate that I was still in good standing in the military." pic.twitter.com/ghRRC3dNCK
— OutFrontCNN (@OutFrontCNN) December 29, 2020
Vindman testifies against President Trump
In response, Trump fired Vindman as the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council in February and fired his twin brother who also played a key role in impeachment proceedings while serving at the White House as an NSC lawyer. Vindman ultimately retired from the military altogether this summer, citing political retaliation by the President and his allies.
Asked Monday about the message he would give to other foreign-born Americans who might want to serve the country but have been dissuaded by his story, Vindman maintained it was a “privilege” to be among the witnesses. “Yes, there may be some costs associated with it, but you can move on,” he said. “You can recover. And you can play your part in protecting this nation.”
