Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl has been charged with treason, his lawyer says, but the White House is not commenting on the news yet.
A request for comment about the news was referred by the White House to the Department of Defense, which is in charge of the investigation.
President Obama was instrumental in organizing Bergdahl’s release, which included the president’s decision to release five Taliban operatives from Guantanamo Bay to Qatar in order to bring Bergdahl back to the United States. He was held captive by militants in Afghanistan for five years after disappearing from his base.
During the daily press briefing, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that he was “not aware of any plans” of the Army’s intentions to release their report on the matter today, also referring White House reporters to the Department of Defense.
Officials from the Army are expected to provide an update on the case later this afternoon.
The Obama administration maintained that Berghdal was a hero when he was first brought back to American soil as a result of the Guantanamo deal.
On June 1, White House National Security Advisor called Berghdal’s release a “joyous day” because he had “served the United States with honor and distinction.”
At the time, Obama recognized Berghdal’s release as a victory for the American people.
“On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal,” he said, after receiving news that the mission to retrieve him was successful.
