WASHINGTON, DC — The Navy is moving ahead with a hearing to consider expelling Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher from the SEALs, despite President Trump's support for Gallagher.
In July, Gallagher was acquitted of murdering a wounded, captured ISIS fighter in Iraq and opening fire on unarmed civilians.
He was convicted of posing for a photo with a dead ISIS prisoner's body in Afghanistan and was demoted in rank.Gallagher has denied the charges, citing that the allegations are fabricated by disgruntled subordinates. At the time, President Trump weighed in on the case, ordering that Gallagher be moved from a military brig to confinement on a Navy base.
Last week, Trump ordered Gallagher's rank restored and issued full pardons to two officers who were accused of war crimes.
Trump tweeted, “The Navy will NOT be taking away Warfighter and Navy Seal Eddie Gallagher's Trident Pin."
The Trident pin signifies membership in the SEALs.
Navy officials are expected to notify Gallagher that they are opening an administrative review of his fitness to continue to serve as a SEAL.
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