conducted back-channel communications with the white house without telling him. >> secretary spencer proposed a deal whereby if the president could handle case he could guarantee that eddie gallagher would restore to rank and restore his trident. >> that would have meant a pre-cooked deal for what was supposed to be an impartial process. >> we had no knowledge. we were flabbergasted by it. >> this year gallagher was convicted of posing for a photo with the corpse of an isis fighter after being acquitted of premeditated murder and attempted murder. the president took a keen interest in the case repeatedly interest veening on gallagher's behalf all of which could leave the pentagon damaged. >> it amakes it appear as if there is not accountability. that if people violate their oath or commit crimes, there is a way out. and they can be -- they can escape accountability if they get the president in their corner. >> reporter: spencer never acknowledged the back channel