Michael Flynn resigned late Monday as President Trump’s national security adviser after it became clear Flynn lied about his conversations with a Russian diplomat.
Just hours earlier, senior Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway went on MSNBC and said the president had “full confidence” in Flynn, which was then quickly contradicted by White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who told reporters that Trump was “evaluating the situation.”
JUST IN: Gen. Flynn "does enjoy the full confidence of" Pres. Trump, Kellyanne Conway tells @MSNBC. https://t.co/Wdk532l0Ai
— NBC Nightly News (@NBCNightlyNews) February 13, 2017
The confusion came after days of speculation over whether Flynn had discussed sanctions implemented by President Obama with the Russian ambassador in December, then lied about it to Vice President-elect Mike Pence.
In their Christmas week conversation, Flynn reportedly urged the ambassador to convince the Russian government not to retaliate against sanctions from President Obama over Russia’s involvement in the U.S. presidential election, assuring him that whatever the Obama administration did could be easily undone.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Just days before Trump’s inauguration, Vice President-elect Pence denied that Flynn and the ambassador had talked about sanctions. Pence said that he’d personally discussed the matter with Flynn, who told him that the talk was more of a casual chat involving Christmas wishes.
“They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States’ decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia,” Pence said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
Flynn, a retired general, still hasn’t explicitly admitted he lied to Pence. In his resignation letter, he says he “inadvertently” briefed Pence and top White House officials with “incomplete information.”
Right. So he remembered saying “Merry Christmas” but not the part about highly sensitive matters of national security.
After serving as national security adviser for less than one month, Flynn is both the latest embarrassment for the young administration and another worrying tie between Trump and Russia.
It remains unknown if Flynn was acting on the instruction of then-President-elect Trump or another administration official in his dealings with the ambassador.
Late last month, acting attorney general Sally Yates informed the White House she believed Flynn was vulnerable to Russian blackmail. Days later, Yates clashed with the president by refusing to implement his immigration ban, and was swiftly fired.
1EqualityUSA
Embarrassing administration. Clown car action.
Mo Bro
Queerty’s non-gay topic #8,478. But that’s okay, I fully understand, for I too got all giddy when . . .
Obama’s AG was held in contempt of congress;
Obamacare failed spectacularly upon its rollout (and is still problematic, at best);
Obama’s IRS got caught targeting conservative groups;
Obama got caught spying on journalists;
Obama’s Fast & Furious scandal blew up;
Obama polluted the Colorado River;
Solyndra imploded;
Obama proved his contempt for his country by trading an army deserter for Islamic terrorists;
. . . but mostly when Obama took it as a “personal insult” that Hillary Clinton’s coronation crashed and burned. That was like going to bed Christmas Eve hoping you’ll get a 10-speed, then waking up and finding a Harley next to the tree.
Bob LaBlah
Go on. Go on. Tell us about Obama’s dealing with Russia with the intent of strengthening Russia. Go on, tell us about THAT or why Obama made public his taxes but the man who has a say over how much we will or won’t pay can’t seem to summon the strength to release his own.
I told you way back before your name change that this guy (Trump) wasn’t going to last and it is happening much sooner than I expected. I would not be surprised of Pence is NOT the next president either. I said before and now say again that election should have been postponed and Obama give two more years so that a viable candidate could be found. I knew this was the mess that awaited us regardless of what side won. Whether you admit it or not, we all lost this time around.
1EqualityUSA
Biochemical pellet bar, thoughts release chemical reactions. Tero Bro, tap, tap goes the pellet bar, scored three!
DMRX
When you work for a pathological liar, why wouldn’t you think it’s OK to lie?
And yes his “incomplete information” was a lie. It’s called a “lie of omission.”
NateOcean
So he lied. Then he lied about the lie.
BTW, at the time of his multiple discussions with the Russians, he appears to have taken effeort of scramble or encrypt his communications. That means he knew what he was doing was wrong. You can an “consciencious of guilt” to the list.
Bob LaBlah
Back in September of last year I began to believe Trump was a Manchurian Candidate in his refusal to condemn anything Putin has done/doing and I have been proven correct. I am now willing to bet John McCain, Lindsay Graham and Mitch McConnell are going to give Trump the choice of leaving voluntarily or wish had taken their offer.
One of the most powerful GOP senators on the Hill, Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri is now calling for a full scale investigation into just how much Trump knew and why he shut up about it. He already knows the answer and his public call for an investigation reads more like a “its over, pal. Now pack your bags” hint if ever one existed.
NateOcean
And then we’re stuck with Pence. Damnit, Bob, you are just a ray of sunshine! lol