History of Eugene Vindman in Timeline

Eugene Vindman is an American politician, attorney, and retired U.S. Army officer. As a member of the Democratic Party, he serves as the U.S. representative for Virginia's 7th congressional district. Previously, he was the deputy legal advisor for the United States National Security Council (NSC) until early 2020.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 6, 1975: Eugene Vindman Born

On June 6, 1975, Eugene Semyonovich Vindman was born in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Others born on this day/year

December 1979: Immigration to the United States

In December 1979, Eugene Vindman and his brothers immigrated to New York from the Soviet Union with their father following the death of their mother.

1985: Appearance in Documentary

In 1985, Eugene Vindman made a brief appearance with his maternal grandmother in Ken Burns' documentary "The Statue of Liberty".

1997: Graduation from SUNY Binghamton

In 1997, Eugene Vindman graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton with a bachelor of arts degree in history.

1997: Time-in-grade waivers

The Army declined to submit a request to adjust Vindman's retirement status to President Joe Biden, telling the media that time-in-grade waivers were extremely rare, with "only three such waivers for Army officers since 1997".

2018: Assigned to National Security Council

In 2018, during the Trump administration, Eugene Vindman was assigned as a deputy legal adviser and senior ethics official to the National Security Council (NSC).

July 25, 2019: Reported Trump-Zelensky Call

On July 25, 2019, after Alexander Vindman listened to the phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky, Alexander reported the contents of the call, that he felt was improper, to Eugene. Eugene recognized the serious legal ramification of the call.

August 1, 2019: Conversation with Eisenberg

On August 1, 2019, Eugene Vindman sought clarification from Eisenberg about the attorneys' role and obligations.

August 5, 2019: Concern Over Federal Bribery Statute

On August 5, 2019, Eugene Vindman conveyed to Eisenberg his concern that President Trump's request may have violated laws.

October 2019: Attention in Trump-Ukraine Scandal

In October 2019, Eugene Vindman gained national attention when his brother, Alexander Vindman, testified before Congress regarding the Trump-Ukraine scandal. Eugene reported President Trump's call to senior White House lawyers, leading to abuse of power charge in Trump's impeachment.

December 18, 2019: Helped Brother During Impeachment

From December 18, 2019, to February 5, 2020, Eugene Vindman helped his brother Alexander during President Trump's impeachment, including drafting part of Alexander's opening statement assuring their father he made the right decision to emigrate.

February 5, 2020: Helped Brother During Impeachment

February 7, 2020: Reassignment from National Security Council

On February 7, 2020, Eugene Vindman was reassigned from his position as a deputy legal advisor for the United States National Security Council (NSC).

February 10, 2020: Schumer Requests Investigation

On February 10, 2020, Senator Chuck Schumer requested federal Inspectors General to investigate possible retaliation against those who disclose presidential misconduct after the firing of the Vindman brothers.

February 2020: Removal from NSC Staff

In February 2020, Robert O'Brien said it was his decision to remove both Vindman brothers from the NSC staff and denied that the move was ordered by Trump in retaliation for Vindman's testimony.

2022: Retirement from the Army

In 2022, Eugene Vindman retired from the Army at the rank of lieutenant colonel, having not served the full time to retire as a colonel.

2022: Call to retire as Colonel

In 2022, supporters called on President Biden to allow Eugene Vindman to retire as a colonel.

2022: Director of Military Analysis

Since 2022, Eugene Vindman has served as the Director of Military Analysis and Prosecution Support for the Atrocity Crimes Advisory (ACA) group, coordinating assistance to Ukraine's Prosecutor General.

March 2023: Initiation of Trident Support Project

In March 2023, Eugene Vindman and his brother Alexander Vindman initiated the Trident Support project to establish a weapon maintenance and training facility in Ukraine.

November 2023: Announcement of Congressional Run

In November 2023, Eugene Vindman announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Virginia's 7th District.

April 2024: Criticism on Social Media

In April 2024, Eugene Vindman faced criticism on social media for holding a flag used during Virginia's Confederate period in a photo.

May 29, 2024: Fundraising as Frontrunner

As of May 29, 2024, despite being a newcomer, Eugene Vindman had raised $5 million and had $876,000 on hand, becoming a frontrunner in the Democratic primary.