Sen. Graham supports removal of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman
FILE – In this Nov. 1, 2017 file photo, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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UPDATED 12:50 PM PT — Sunday, February 9, 2020
Sen. Lindsey Graham said he doesn’t think Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman was “effective” during his time at the White House. On Sunday, he said people in Vindman’s chain of command were suspicious of his political views.
“I think his reassignment was justified,” said Graham. “I don’t think he could be effective as the NSC.”
The senator also said he believes there were leaks from the National Security Council.
“CIA agents, Department of State, Department of Justice lawyers, FBI agents have a political agenda and they acted on it,” he said. “We found that out through the FISA investigation.”
FILE – In this Nov. 19, 2019, file photo National Security Council aide Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman is sworn in to testify before the House Intelligence Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington during a public impeachment hearing of President Donald Trump’s efforts to tie U.S. aid for Ukraine to investigations of his political opponents. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Graham pointed out GOP members were prevented from questioning Vindman thoroughly during his impeachment inquiry testimony.
“He was not allowed to be asked questions about his connection to the alleged whistleblower,” he said. “I don’t know what role he played with the whistleblower, if any, but we’re going to look.”
.@LindseyGrahamSC on Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's ouster from the White House: "I think his reassignment was justified. I don't think he could be effective as the NSC." https://t.co/Bu1zxgliQV pic.twitter.com/p1wsI0Sojd
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) February 9, 2020
When asked about the firing of EU Ambassador Gordon Sondland, Graham commented he was a political appointee and served at the pleasure of the president.
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