Instant New York Times bestsellerRetired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, who found himself at the center of a firestorm for his decision to report the infamous phone call that led to presidential impeachment, tells his own story for the first time. Here, Right Matters is a stirring account of Vindman's childhood as an immigrant growing up in New York City, his career in service of his new home on the battlefield and at the White House, and the decisions leading up to, and fallout surrounding, his exposure of President Trump's abuse of power. 0900, Thursday, July 25, 2019: President Trump called Ukraine’s President Zelensky, supposedly to congratulate him on his recent victory. In the months that followed, the American public would only learn what happened on that call because Alexander Vindman felt duty-bound to report it up the chain of command: that the President of the United States had extorted a foreign ally to damage a political challenger at home. Vindman’s actions and subsequent testimony before congress would lead to Trump’s impeachment and affirm Vindman's belief that he had done the right thing in the face of intense pressure to stay silent. But it would come at an enormous cost, straining relationships with colleagues, superiors, and even his own father, and eventually end his decorated career in the US Army, by a Trump administration intent on retribution. Here, Right Matters is Vindman’s proud, passionate, and candid account of his family, his career, and the moment of truth he faced for his nation. As an immigrant, raised by a father who fled the Soviet Union in pursuit of a better life for his children, Vindman learned about respect for truth throughout his education and military service. As this memoir makes clear, his decision to speak up about the July 25th call was never a choice: it was Vindman’s duty, as a naturalized citizen and member of the armed forces. In the wake of his testimony, he would endure furious partisan attacks on his record and his loyalty. But far louder was the extraordinary chorus of support from citizens who were collectively intent on reaffirming an abiding American commitment to integrity. In the face of a sure-fire career derailment and public excoriation, Vindman heeded the lessons from the people and institutions who instilled in him the moral compass and the courage to act decisively. Like so many other American immigrant families, the Vindmans had to learn to build a life from scratch and take big risks to achieve important goals. Here, Right Matters is about the quiet heroes who keep us safe; but, above all, it is a call to arms for those who refuse to let America betray its true self.
Here, Right Matters: An American Story is a compelling memoir by Alexander Vindman, a decorated U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who served as the Director for European Affairs on the National Security Council during the Trump administration. The book chronicles Vindman's life journey from his childhood in Ukraine to his service in the U.S. military and his role in the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump.
Vindman, the son of Ukrainian immigrants, grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He attended West Point and later served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years, including tours in Iraq and South Korea. In 2018, he was assigned to the National Security Council, where he became a key figure in the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine.
In July 2019, Vindman was one of the key witnesses in the House impeachment inquiry into President Trump's dealings with Ukraine. Vindman testified that Trump had pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate his political rivals, including former Vice President Joe Biden, in exchange for U.S. military aid. Vindman's testimony helped to build the case for Trump's impeachment, and he was subsequently fired from his position on the National Security Council.
In Here, Right Matters, Vindman tells the story of his life and career, offering a firsthand account of the events leading up to Trump's impeachment. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of integrity, patriotism, and the rule of law. The book is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that people make in service to their country and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Here, Right Matters is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics, the Trump administration, or the importance of integrity and patriotism in public service.
