A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times – An Instant New York Times Bestseller: A Pentagon Insider's Tumultuous Years Under President Trump

by Mark T. Esper

Throughout the impeachment process, Trump and some GOP lawmakers denounced Vindman for his testimony. Many of these same people also criticized the lieutenant colonel for appearing on Capitol Hill, despite being subpoenaed to do so. Television commentators from the right also joined in the fray. The fact is, Vindman didn’t have a choice. In the wake of these attacks, Vindman expressed serious concerns about the safety of his family, which the Army leadership worked to address. He was also concerned about retribution from the president, and the impact it might have on his career. The service was keeping close tabs on him. Indeed, Vindman met with General Jim McConville, the Army chief of staff, in early November 2019, regarding his situation. McConville assembled a team of lawyers, public affairs officers, and congressional liaisons to aid Vindman with the upcoming hearings. A two-star general was also assigned to assist and take care of him. The Army was doing all of the right things it could. On February 7, two days after the Senate acquitted Trump, the NSC fired Alexander Vindman. He was walked off the White House grounds that afternoon under escort. His brother, Yevgeny, who also served on the NSC staff as an Army lawyer, was dismissed as well. Earlier that day, a reporter asked me about possible retribution against Vindman during a press conference at the Pentagon, to which I replied, “We protect all of our persons—service members—from retribution or anything like that...