Federal Judge Overturns Bowe Bergdahl's Conviction Due to Conflict of Interest

A federal judge has vacated the conviction of former U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was court-martialed for desertion during his Afghanistan tour, citing a potential conflict of interest. The military judge presiding over Bergdahl's case had failed to disclose that he had applied for a position as an immigration judge in the Justice Department under then-President Donald Trump. The judge's failure to disclose his job application was deemed a potential ground for disqualification, as it could have compromised his impartiality. Bergdahl's lawyers had previously argued that statements made by Trump and Sen. John McCain were influencing the trial.