'Campaign of intimidation': Vindman's lawyer responds to new attacks by Trump - POLITICO

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman was removed from his White House post on Friday. | Getty Images

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman’s attorney vigorously pushed back Saturday on President Donald Trump publicly tying the impeachment witness’ ouster to insubordination and leaking information.

In a statement, attorney David Pressman said Trump’s claims “conflict with the clear personnel record and the entirety of the impeachment record of which the President is well aware.”

Trump tweeted Saturday morning that Vindman, who was the top Ukraine policy officer on the National Security Council, “had problems with judgement, adhering to the chain of command and leaking information.”

“He was very insubordinate, reported contents of my 'perfect' calls incorrectly, & was given a horrendous report by his superior,” Trump said about Vindman, seemingly referring to November impeachment testimony given by NSC official Tim Morrison, Vindman’s supervisor, who said he had “concerns” about the decorated war veteran's judgment and suggested he wasn’t “cut out” for policymaking.

Vindman rebutted Morrison’s assessment in his testimony, saying the two had not worked together long and that his military background might have played a role in the determination. Morrision departed from his position during the House’s investigation.

Pressman also called out lawmakers for being “silent” while Trump “continues his campaign of intimidation."

Vindman — along with impeachment witness Gordon Sondland, the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union — was removed from his White House post on Friday during a purge characterized as “payback” by White House officials against those who testified against the president.

Others, including former U.S. envoy to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch and former top U.S. envoy to Ukraine Bill Taylor, have left their posts in recent days.

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