a white house conversation. appeared to be seeking an outcome over gallagher's case. president trump was told not to intervene in the case but he pardoned two other service members and restored gallagher's rank anyway. >> the president of the united states is the commander in chief. he's involved in every aspect of government and he can make decisions and do things and give orders as he deems appropriate. >> has the president explained to you his rationale behind restoring chief gallagher's rank? >> no. he doesn't have to. >> reporter: a defense official tells cnn he proposed a meeting with a secret guarantee that gallagher would still keep his navy s.e.a.l. status. but he never alerted the pentagon to these back channel negotiations. spencer highlighting his disagreement with president