Trump ignores Pentagon, pardons two war criminals (ASL – 11.17.19)
Transcript
President Trump ignored the advice of top Pentagon officials to issue pardons for two officers and restore the rank of another.
All three faced war crimes allegations.
Trump granted a full pardon to Army First Lieutenant Clint Lorance.
Another full pardon was given to Army Major Mathew Golsteyn.
In addition, the rank of Navy Seal Eddie R. Gallagher was restored.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper along with other senior military leaders earlier had expressed concerns to Trump.
They worry these presidential pardons could potentially damage the military’s judicial system.
There is concern military discipline might be affected as well as the confidence of US allies that host American troops.
A White House statement said over the years, “Presidents have used their authority to offer second chances to deserving individuals.”
In 2013, Lorance was found guilty of second-degree murder for ordering his men to fire on three man on a motorcycle in Afghanistan.
Golsteyn has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering an Afghan man in 2010.
Gallagher was demoted after being found guilty posing for a photo with a dead ISIS prisoner.