Trump tried to stop 'American Taliban' Lindh's early release from U.S. prison

FILE PHOTO: Undated handout image of American Taliban John Walker Lindh, distributed February 5, 2002. REUTERS/Handout/File Photo

(Reuters) - John Walker Lindh, the American captured in Afghanistan in 2001 fighting for the Taliban, was freed early from federal prison on Thursday after serving 17 years amid concerns he might still harbour extremist views.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that he had asked government lawyers whether the release could be stopped but said nothing could be done.