Alexander Vindman: Why I’m seeking accountability from Trump allies in court
Public servants who do their duty, tell the truth and uphold their oaths of office shouldn’t be subjected to intimidation and retaliation.
In July 2019, my life took a dramatic and unexpected turn when I listened to a phone call during which the president of the United States made inappropriate and possibly unlawful demands of a foreign leader. I did my duty by reporting my concerns within the National Security Council, where I served as a director. When later subpoenaed by Congress, I testified truthfully about what I heard. As a result, my career and personal life were forever turned upside down.
I never sought public attention. In fact, I spent my career as an officer in the U.S. Army out of the public eye. When I heard something I thought was wrong, I reported it through private, official channels. My knowledge of what I heard on that phone call became public only when President Donald Trump’s conduct became the subject of an impeachment inquiry and Congress sought my testimony.