In FBI Interview Michael Flynn Reportedly Denied He Discussed Sanctions With Ambassador Before Inauguration
- 7 years ago
The Washington Post reports, citing various officials, Michael Flynn denied he discussed sanctions with the Russian ambassador prior to inauguration, when asked during his interview with the FBI.
Earlier in the week, reports surfaced that days after President Trump took office, former national security adviser Michael Flynn was interviewed by the FBI about his talks with the Russian ambassador.
The New York Times, noted, based on information from inside sources, while it wasn't "clear what he said in his F.B.I. interview, investigators believed that Mr. Flynn was not entirely forthcoming."
On Thursday, the Washington Post revealed more specific details, noting, "Flynn denied to FBI agents in an interview last month that he had discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that country’s ambassador to the United States before President Trump took office, contradicting the contents of intercepted communications collected by intelligence agencies, current and former U.S. officials said."
Days after Flynn's interview, on January 26, the Justice Department informed the White House that Flynn could be susceptible to blackmail attempts due to the discrepancies pertaining to what he discussed with the Russian officials.
On Monday, Flynn formally resigned, with White House press secretary Sean Spicer telling journalists during a press briefing, “The evolving and eroding level of trust as a result of this situation and a series of other questionable instances is what led the president to ask General Flynn for his resignation.”
While the Washington Post reports that neither the president nor the White House counsel’s office suspects he broke any laws, there could be a felony charge if investigators can prove he deliberately lied to the FBI about the conversations.
Despite the controversy and potential legal problems, Flynn has maintained his innocence and instead expressed concern about the "steady stream of leaks" being shared with the media.
Earlier in the week, reports surfaced that days after President Trump took office, former national security adviser Michael Flynn was interviewed by the FBI about his talks with the Russian ambassador.
The New York Times, noted, based on information from inside sources, while it wasn't "clear what he said in his F.B.I. interview, investigators believed that Mr. Flynn was not entirely forthcoming."
On Thursday, the Washington Post revealed more specific details, noting, "Flynn denied to FBI agents in an interview last month that he had discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that country’s ambassador to the United States before President Trump took office, contradicting the contents of intercepted communications collected by intelligence agencies, current and former U.S. officials said."
Days after Flynn's interview, on January 26, the Justice Department informed the White House that Flynn could be susceptible to blackmail attempts due to the discrepancies pertaining to what he discussed with the Russian officials.
On Monday, Flynn formally resigned, with White House press secretary Sean Spicer telling journalists during a press briefing, “The evolving and eroding level of trust as a result of this situation and a series of other questionable instances is what led the president to ask General Flynn for his resignation.”
While the Washington Post reports that neither the president nor the White House counsel’s office suspects he broke any laws, there could be a felony charge if investigators can prove he deliberately lied to the FBI about the conversations.
Despite the controversy and potential legal problems, Flynn has maintained his innocence and instead expressed concern about the "steady stream of leaks" being shared with the media.