President Donald Trump weighed in on a military judge’s decision not to send Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to prison Friday.
Bergdahl, a deserter who was captured by terrorists, will receive a demotion, dishonorable discharge, and a fine but no prison time for the act abandoning his post in Afghanistan and endangering the lives of his comrades, several of which were killed because of his actions. This sentence did not sit well with the president, who has repeatedly criticized Bergdahl for his behavior on the battlefield.
The decision on Sergeant Bergdahl is a complete and total disgrace to our Country and to our Military.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2017
Trump has long been a critic of Bergdahl, who the president suggested two years ago should receive the death penalty for his actions.
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl should face the death penalty for desertion – five brave soldiers died trying to bring him back. U.S. has to get tough!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 26, 2015
Bergdahl spent five years in captivity with the Taliban-aligned Haqqani network. The Obama administration agreed to an exchange of terrorists for Bergdahl’s return.
Can you imagine trading five really bad enemies of the U.S. for the freedom of traitor Bergdahl. Just another bad deal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2014
While Bergdahl crimes carry a potential sentence of life in prison, the defense argued that the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Taliban, harsh criticism by President Donald Trump, and diagnosed mental disorders should be taken into consideration, and the judge agreed. Prosecutors, however, argued that Bergdahl should be sent to prison for at least 14 years.
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