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Witness on the Trump-Zelensky call delivers testimony 2:39
(CNN) - Lieutenant Colonel Alex Vindman, the main Ukrainian expert in the National Security Council, was dismissed from his position Friday months earlier than expected, according to a statement from his lawyer. Vindman was not expected to leave until July, but he had been telling his colleagues in recent weeks that he would probably leave soon. However, it was not his decision to leave, according to a person familiar with the situation.
President Donald Trump has remained enraged privately about Vindman's testimony during the political trial investigation, and some Democrats say the measure is clearly a retribution for it.
Vindman is expected to return to the Pentagon, although it is still unclear what his assignment will be until he attends war university this summer, as expected.
"We welcome all members of our service, wherever they serve, to any task assigned to them," Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Friday when asked about the possible expulsion of Vindman.
Political judgment