Why would he even bring it up then? People pressure others all the time, but why would a 4 star even mention it if he didn’t feel the need to CYA? Air Force Space Command is an extremely political organization and people watch themselves carefully. It is one command that reaches the highest and lowests levels of the entire military. I cannot imagine a 4 star speaking out like this without the absolute need to do so.
I would think that to protect his own image he would NOT mention this if in fact he did allow the WH to pressure him.