A key witness in the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump has officially left his post on the White House's National Security Council.
Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's attorney said in a statement Friday his client was escorted from the White House. He said Vindman "was asked to leave for telling the truth." President Trump responded to reports of possible departure earlier Friday.
"Well, I'm not happy with him," President Trump said Friday. "You think I'm supposed to be happy with him? I'm not. They'll make that decision."
The Washington Post, along with CNN and Bloomberg, report President Trump has been critical of Vindman for his role in the impeachment inquiry. The administration reportedly may target other officials for dismissal or reassignment for any perceived disloyalty to the president.
Vindman testified on Capitol Hill in November. He listened in on the July call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenkskyy. Vindman said he heard President Trump ask Zelenskyy to investigate an American citizen and raised those concerns with White House counsel.
"It was probably an element of shock," Vindman told lawmakers during his November testimony. "Maybe, in certain regards, my worst fear of how our Ukraine policy could play out was playing out."
Vindman was scheduled to wrap up his rotation at the National Security Council this summer. The Post says Trump administration officials will reassign him to the Department of Defense.
Contains footage from CNN.
