The first impeachment of former President Donald Trump revolved around a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelinsky, in which Trump promised to release congressionally approved aid to Ukraine, but wanted Zelensky to "do us a favor" and open an investigation into Hunter Biden, the son of Joe Biden, who was shaping up to be Trump's opponent in the 2020 election.
Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman was one of the officials listening in on Trump's now-infamous phone call, expressing concerns about the discussion at the time. The Lieutenant Colonel complied with a congressional subpoena and testified about the call before the House Committee overseeing impeachment. Vindman's compliance was met with immediate retaliation from Republicans. He was met with smears from Republican representatives and, immediately after the Senate acquitted Trump in his eventual impeachment trial, Vindman was removed from his post and escorted out by security.
Now, just over two years since his testimony before the House committee, Vindman has filed a lawsuit against Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.; Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani; and others for witness intimidation and retaliation.
I filed suit against @DonaldJTrumpJr, @RudyGiuliani, @DanScavino, & others for witness intimidation & retaliation. Donald Trump, @FoxNews, & @IngrahamAngle are also named in the law suit. https://t.co/mxWaZMCvwT
— Alexander S. Vindman (@AVindman) February 2, 2022
The suit revolves around a statute in the Ku Klux Klan Act, passed in 1871, designed to prevent conspiracies aimed at intimidating witnesses from testifying in federal proceedings. Vindman says Trump Jr. and Giuliani—with former President Trump's blessing—worked with Fox News in a coordinated effort to smear the Lieutenant Colonel in the media and to ultimately prevent him from testifying.
Remembering Vindman's viral testimony, social media users praised the effort.
I commend you, sir. This must be a domino effect in this country. The criminals must be buried in indictments & civil suits. Absolutely must. The DOJ is failing us but we have brave souls like this stepping up for what is right & due to them. https://t.co/OrcT1PfONj
— Ashlie Weeks (@ashlie_weeks) February 3, 2022
Get ‘em, brother!!! https://t.co/TDxE2B8xLx
— Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) February 2, 2022
Go get’em Alex!!!! https://t.co/FtqLAcSmpd
— End the Filibuster & Pass the Voting Rights Act (@SheHooKnows) February 3, 2022
America supports you, soldier. https://t.co/4fzhbkMUOH
— The True American (@TheTrueAmerica5) February 3, 2022
I hope you win! https://t.co/A3YJC4kD8E
— 😷Zoey😷 Jane😷 (@yogafan108) February 4, 2022
I wish you the utmost success with your suit and hope that the full force of the law is applied. https://t.co/M4EsaPVXOc
— George Francis (@GeorgeF19068934) February 2, 2022
Some invoked the most famous line from Vindman's testimony, in which he said he felt compelled to come forward with Trump's misdeeds because, in America, "here right matters."
Right on. #HereRightMatters https://t.co/0ZZUgLrPjc
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) February 2, 2022
Honor demands justice. You, sir, have honorably served our nation, and as a fellow #veteran, I am grateful for your service. May your victory resonate throughout our nation that "Here, right matters." https://t.co/oEElLajvTj
— Scott Huffman for NC 🇺🇲 (@HuffmanForNC) February 2, 2022
Here right matters.
Bravo @AVindman https://t.co/TH5RKKcslH
— Carolyn Schott (@cgsinseattle) February 3, 2022
Vindman says the sole purpose of the lawsuit is for accountability, to "ensure that the next witness or whistleblower, regardless of party or issue, can feel comfortable doing the right and lawful thing."
