Marie L. Yovanovitch, the ambassador to Ukraine who was recalled from her post because she was seen as an obstacle to the president’s plans, retired from the Foreign Service last month. William B. Taylor Jr., who replaced her in an acting capacity, was essentially brought back early as well. Jennifer Williams, a career official detailed to Vice President Mike Pence’s office, quietly left recently to return to the Defense Department.
Several who testified had already left the government, like Fiona Hill, the Europe policy chief at the National Security Council, while Kurt D. Volker, the special envoy for Ukraine, resigned days before testifying. But others so far remain at their posts, including George Kent at the State Department, Laura Cooper at the Defense Department and David Holmes at the embassy in Ukraine.
Both Vindman brothers, whose tours at the White House were scheduled to last until July, will retain their Army ranks and return to military service. Alexander Vindman, who had been expecting the move and had begun removing personal items, was told he will go to the Pentagon before moving to the National War College in July as originally planned, according to one person close to the situation. Yevgeny Vindman, who goes by Eugene, was more surprised and told he will report to the office of the Army general counsel.
Eugene Vindman did not testify and had no role in the impeachment hearings other than to show up to sit behind his brother when he appeared in November. He was given “no explanation for his dismissal “despite over two decades of loyal service to this country,” said Mr. Pressman, the lawyer. “He deeply regrets that he will not be able to continue his service at the White House.”
Alexander Vindman, a Ukrainian immigrant who earned a Purple Heart after being injured while serving in Iraq, told the House Intelligence Committee that he was surprised to hear Mr. Trump pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and other Democrats during a July 25 telephone call. He told lawmakers that he reported his concerns to other N.S.C. officials.
Mr. Trump has made clear his personal antipathy for Colonel Vindman. “Lieutenant Colonel Vindman and his twin brother, right?” the president said at one point during a rambling hourlong venting session at the White House on Thursday, his voice dripping with disdain. “We had some people that — really amazing.”
On Friday morning, the president reposted a Twitter message from a supporter advocating the colonel’s dismissal: “Vindman’s behavior is a scandal. He should be removed from the @RealDonaldTrump White House ASAP to protect our foreign policy from his machinations.”