I am going to go out on a limb, and say. BS. It was probably ALL because of President Trump. Maybe some of these people are utterly incapable of telling the truth.
If not specifically directed by POTUS, the action was certainly INSPIRED by him. I suspect the Admiral received a phone call something like “Admiral, this is a national embarrassment, Fix it!”
Also note that this came straight from CNO, bypassing the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Vice Admiral Hannink. I have to wonder if he will soon announce he is retiring to spend more time with his family...
The intervention by President Trump exposed a pattern of misconduct by JAG officers which was shocking. I hope Admiral Richardson shakes up JAG like a pit bull with a rag doll.
“..probably ALL because of President....”
Disagree - anyone with a strong boss understands what the boss wants without it being said. No doubt the Admiral was in agreement with the President anyway!
Come back in from the limb. The move was “not directed” means that Trump didn’t order it, although the rescission of the medals was a very strong indication that President Trump was watching and expecting justice.
Based on the actual statement, I believe it. Based on the inference that there was no CINC influence, your branch is mush sturdier. These announcements usually do not rely on inference, which is far too subjective.