Key impeachment witness Alexander Vindman expects to leave White House post in coming weeks, source says

Vindman said his departure from the council could come as soon as this month, the source said. That would be well ahead of the scheduled end of his time at the White House, which was originally slated to last until July. Vindman was appointed to his post in July 2018 and was asked to stay for two years.

The source did not say whether Vindman's departure was voluntary or at the behest of the White House, though aides inside the West Wing had speculated it could come soon as the impeachment trial was over.

Trump has continued to fume about Vindman's presence at the National Security Council since he testified, according to people familiar with the matter. Vindman's duties were significantly curtailed after he testified -- as were his those of his brother, an attorney for the council, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Late last year, CNN reported that the President's aides explored moving some impeachment witnesses who were at the National Security Council out of the White House. Such a move could be seen as retaliation for participating in the inquiry, though the council's head has argued that he wants to seriously reduce the size of the council.

News of Vindman's likely departure follows another witness, Jennifer Williams, who left Vice President Mike Pence's office two months ahead of schedule.

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