Trump was told in January that Flynn misled Pence, White House says
ASSOCIATED PRESS
White House Press secretary Sean Spicer pointed as he answered questions from members of the media during the daily briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington today.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
National Security Adviser Michael Flynn boarded Air Force One, Feb. 12, at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., as he returned to Washington with President Donald Trump. Flynn resigned as Trump’s national security adviser Monday.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kellyanne Conway, senior adviser to President Donald Trump, watched during a meeting with parents and teachers, today, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington.
WASHINGTON >> President Donald Trump was told in late January that his top national security aide had misled his vice president, three weeks before Trump ousted adviser Michael Flynn amid a swirling public controversy over Flynn’s contacts with a Russian official, a White House spokesman said today.
Press secretary Sean Spicer said Flynn’s firing on Monday was prompted by a gradual “erosion of that trust” and not any concern about the legality of the retired general’s calls with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. Spicer said the president withheld judgment on Flynn until after the White House counsel’s office conducted a review of the legal issues raised by the calls.
Flynn’s ouster appeared to be driven more public attention and by the idea that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other officials than by the content of his discussions. Still, the matter deepened questions about Trump’s friendly posture toward Russia.
“This was an act of trust — whether or not he misled the vice president was the issue and that was ultimately what led to the president asking for and accepting the resignation of Gen. Flynn,” Spicer said.
Flynn’s resignation came after reports that the Justice Department had alerted the White House weeks ago that there were contradictions between Trump officials’ public accounting of the Russia contacts and what intelligence officials knew to be true based on routine recordings of communications with foreign officials who are in the U.S.
Spicer said White House counsel’s office reviewed the situation after it was flagged by the Department of Justice, and along with the president, the counsel determined that it did not pose a legal problem.
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The revelations were another destabilizing blow to an administration that has already suffered a major legal defeat on immigration, botched the implementation of a signature policy and stumbled through a string of embarrassing public relations missteps.
White House officials haven’t said when Trump was told of the Justice Department warning or why Flynn had been allowed to stay on the job with access to a full range of intelligence materials.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a longtime Russia critic, said Congress needs to know what Flynn discussed with the ambassador and why.
“The idea that he did this on his own without any direction is a good question to ask,” Graham added.
Pence and others, apparently relying on information from Flynn, had said the national security adviser did not discuss U.S. economic sanctions against Russia with the Russian envoy during the American presidential transition. Flynn later told officials the sanctions may have been discussed, the latest change in his account of his pre-inauguration discussions with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
Such conversations would breach diplomatic protocol and possibly violate the Logan Act, a law aimed at keeping private citizens from conducting U.S. diplomacy. The Justice Department had warned the White House late last month that Flynn could be at risk for blackmail because of contradictions between his public depictions of the calls and what intelligence officials.
House Speaker Paul Ryan said Trump made the right decision in asking Flynn to step down.
“You cannot have the national security adviser misleading the vice president and others,” Ryan said.
Trump, who had been conspicuously quiet about Flynn’s standing for several days, took to Twitter this morning and said the “real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington?” He ignored questions about Flynn from reporters during an education event at the White House this morning.
Trump named retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as the acting national security adviser. Kellogg had previously been appointed the National Security Council chief of staff and advised Trump during the campaign. Trump is also considering former CIA Director David Petraeus and Vice Admiral Robert Harward, a U.S. Navy SEAL, for the post, according to a senior administration official.
Kellogg convened a brief meeting of the National Security Council staff this morning and urged them to continue with business as usual. Staffers have been told that Flynn’s deputy, K.T. McFarland, a former Fox News analyst, is expected to stay at the White House.
A U.S. official told The Associated Press that Flynn was in frequent contact with Kislyak on the day the Obama administration slapped sanctions on Russia for election-related hacking, as well as at other times during the transition.
The officials and two people with knowledge of the situation confirmed the Justice Department warnings on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The Washington Post was the first to report the communication between former acting attorney general Sally Yates, a holdover from the Obama administration, and the Trump White House. The Post also first reported last week that Flynn had indeed spoken about sanctions with the Russian ambassador.
Trump never voiced public support for Flynn after that initial report but continued to keep his national security adviser close. Flynn was part of Trump’s daily briefing Monday and sat in on his calls with foreign leaders, as well as his discussions with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The Kremlin had confirmed that Flynn was in contact with Kislyak but denied that they talked about lifting sanctions. Russian lawmakers today mounted a fierce defense of Flynn.
112 responses to “Trump was told in January that Flynn misled Pence, White House says”
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“”White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told NBC’s “Today” show that Flynn “knew he’d become a lightning rod” and made the decision to resign.” Again Kellyanne wavers from the facts. President Trump asked Flynn to resign. Period. Flynn did not independently decide to resign because he felt that he had become a lightning rod. Just another “alternative fact” by Kellyanne.
Yep, he’s out because he did something bad, then lied about it.
Who’s next?
Conway next.
Yup.
It’s even more surreal to watch Democrats act as though lying to the public is some grave firing offense when President Obama’s top national security official, James Clapper, got caught red-handed not only lying to the public but also to Congress — about a domestic surveillance program that courts ruled was illegal. And despite the fact that lying to Congress is a felony, he kept his job until the very last day of the Obama presidency.
After Conway, Trump is going to oust Spicy. Female McCarthy on SNL’s spoof of Spicer is emasculating the press secretary to the point that Trump is embarrassed beyond belief. Trump probably will replace Spicer with a good looking Caucasian female that looks hot in a miniskirt and fitted top to hold the Whitehouse daily press briefings. Unfortunately that woman would be clueless of world politics, policies, and economics but have no problem lying through her teeth.
Trump told Flynn what to say to the Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Now Flynn is the lightning rod for multiple investigations of Trump’s campaign surrogates and business partners and their contacts with Putin and the Russians during the campaign and during the transition
Yep, Flynn’s taking the fall for Trump, Rex Tillerson and other Putin puppets in the administration. Sounds like Mitch McConnell has had just about enough of the foolishness. Trump may not last much longer before impeachment. Odds are he won’t finish the year before he gets the boot.
Don’t fret. All is well. Market up, gold up and oil up. Another great day in America. Oh, illegals also on the run.
You think gold being up and oil being up means something good?
Do you ever read anything?
The economy is getting better and gold is real money. Will you ever learn anything?
Actually, sarge, people tend to invest in gold during times of economic uncertainty when the dollar is weak. That drives the price of gold up.
Skin-nut, Are we not in a time of economic uncertainty NOW!
In fact, when is our economic platform ever CERTAIN?
Yes, the economy is improving, and yes, gold is almost always a good investment.
That’s my point, gonadgolfin. Sarge is claiming gold prices being up is an indicator of a good economy and I’m saying it’s not.
Gold is real money while fiat money is backed by nothing.Gold has intrinsic value while paper has none. ..Fiat money is currency that a government has declared to be legal tender, but it is not backed by a physical commodity. The value of fiat money is derived from the relationship between supply and demand rather than the value of the material that the money is made of.
Funny. Can’t wait for Rumpel Foreskin to post his comment.
These guys didn’t get the RUN memo.
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/02/13/homeland-security-gang-operation-leads-raids-across-santa-cruz-county-early-monday/
yes the market is up but the real question is for how long? I suspect not long. Republicans have always given us recessions.
How many recessions has the Republicans given us?
Gonegolfing, 2008 was one.
Gonegolfin, well lets see. GW-2, Papa Bush -1, Reagan – 1, going from memory.
thanks prez obama
Kelly Anne is a cartoon character. She has consistently and cynically lied for months.
apprentice president is a character too, sells condoms on the side…
http://www.staradvertiser.com/2017/02/14/breaking-news/trump-toilets-condoms-could-be-flushed-after-his-china-win/#comment-297731
Press secretary Sean Spicer said Flynn’s firing on Monday was prompted by a gradual “erosion of that trust” and not any concern about the legality of the retired general’s calls with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. Spicer said the president withheld judgment on Flynn until after the White House counsel’s office conducted a review of the legal issues raised by the calls.—-Trump was still in support of Flynn despite of his contacts with Russia and only removed him because he didn’t want to be directly linked to Russia. But somewhere along the line Trump is linked to Russia. He has no problem dealing with Putin as they are alike, cold and heartless.
Flynn is only going to take so much blame and kukai; I think it’ll come to Flynn spilling his guts as to how he’s been directed by Trump to follow through with all of the very bad things he is being tagged with right now. Will he take a trip to Russia and disappear from public?? Compliments, of Putin.
New scandal on Trump breaking…many of his aides were speaking to Russia before the election to rig it in Trump’s favor…check Washington Post. Trump is DONE. Dirty man and illegitimate president. Phony dude.
@allie ^5, KaBoom…Keep it going Snowflake…#MAGA
Washington Post is fake news – hon.
No shame, Allie, go get’um. These trumpets with no brains like Trumps administration.
The national nightmare continues…
TRUMP CAUGHT IN A BIG LIE!
On Friday aboard Air Force One, referring to a Washington Post report that revealed that Flynn had lied about the calls, Trump said, “I don’t know about that. I haven’t seen it. What report is that? I haven’t seen that. I’ll look into that.”
The White House just admitted that Trump was briefed by White House Counsel Don McGahn weeks ago, immediately after McGahn was informed by Deputy Attorney General Yates (whom Trump fired a few days later) about Flynn’s lies.
Trump Presidency is circling the drain.
I figured it would take the Trump administration at least six months to collapse under the weight of its lies, ignorance and incompetence.
He fooled me and did it in only one month!
Collapse? Getting rid of the bad picks is great. Too bad we couldn’t do that with Kenoi, Kealoha, Caldwell, the list goes on. As I said before no matter what Trump does klastri will always down him. Trump is not a quitter.
Um, aren’t Kenoi and Kealoha out?
You’re lying, of course.
If Trump does something good, I’ll comment about that. I’m still waiting. So is the rest of the world.
There you go, lying again. klastri fake news.
Bad picks We are talking about the Donald who promised us only the best? Instead he is setting records for tossing people under the bus.
Who will be next? Poor Donald. He is just misunderstood. 🙂
Yup, Trump is draining the swamp alright, with himself included.
He crossed the line.
Is Pence ready to be President? The only true proven politician in this circus act. Trump? Impeach him for corroborating with Flynn. WE KNOW HE INSTRUCTED FLYNN TO VIOLATE THE LAW. LOCK THEM UP,LOCK THEM UP.!!!
I wonder if Flynn is going to release the sex tape of Melania now or the Golden Shower photos of Trump…#MAGA
It is impossible to overstate or exaggerate the incompetence of the Trump administration. Everything they do is so poorly considered, that they must now employ professional liars like Ms. Conway. Mr. Miller and Mr. Spicer in an attempt to wipe away the growing stain.
This should show Trump voters why nearly every business he started failed. He’s incompetent, and he has hired people because they are sycophants and not because they are competent. He’s a malignant narcissist who is unable to govern.
The administration is now an international laughingstock. Every person who voted for Trump should hang their head in shame.
I don’t think we can consider Conway a professional liar, she’s not good enough to be considered professional. Amateur liar maybe…
Bubba,all the trumpets have moved over to the marijuana comment section of SA.
Not me. Trump was our best choice. Oh yeah, Golf Oscar Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo Yankee Oscar Uniform Romeo Sierra Echo Lima Foxtrot
Clever, Bubba.
Yup, it getting more hilarious day by day.
Did you think of that all by yourself? Or did you have to do a cut and paste?
No cut and paste here, it’s the Phonetic Alphabet, a set of words used instead of alphabetic letters in radio communication; each word stands for its initial letter. It’s the universal standard. You should learn it yourself. The Bloodhound Gang also sings about it…
he definitely was the best choice among republicans but fact remains, he is the town butcher performing brain surgery. It won’t be long before he is gone. Only question is will it be health issues or assassination or impeachment.
Health issues…If Obama aged that much at a younger age, what will Trump look like after 4 years, he’s already 70??? #MAGA
Well, at least Trump and his “so called-administration” gives me something to look forward to on SNL. Yah ha ha!!!
IRT mctruck: Exactly…Trump is a WIN WIN situation for us…If he does anything good we WIN and we WIN cause of this comedy show that he produces everyday…#MAGA
Ouch.
Trump knew weeks ago that Flynn lied, but the “erosion of trust” wasn’t an issue until Flynn’s lies became public knowledge, implying that Trump is fine with lying that the public doesn’t know about. Why does that not surprise me?
Exactly! Trump only dealt with flynn when it became obvious that the lies were becoming unsustainable. He probably thought he could use flynn a little longer as a distraction.
No way, he was planning on riding that lie as long as possible, he knows the intelligence of his Trumpers (wink) and since he won the popular vote, he thought he was going to have the support of All of America if this ever came out, he was protected…#MAGA
“…Justice Department had alerted the White House weeks ago that there were contradictions between Trump officials’ public accounting of the Russia contacts and what intelligence officials knew to be true based on routine recordings of communications with foreign officials who are in the U.S.”
What does “routine recording of communications with foreign officals who are in the U.S.” mean? Is that like a wire tap?
Not like a wire tap. A wire tap.
In today’s press conference, Spicer contradicted Trump’s version of events surrounding Flynn. Spicer said that Trump and other administration officials had been reviewing allegations that Flynn lied for a couple of weeks. Trump said on Friday that he knew nothing about reports of Flynn lying. Is Spicer calling Trump a liar? Or is this just another example of the total chaos in the White House?
Blah blah blah Whining losers.
Stage 1…Denial
That’s rich. So “sarge”, the military dodger like his idol Drumpf, talks about “whining losers”…when he’s been one for the last 8 years.
S22, this is more than just whining losers. And this Flynn problem is far from over. There will be Congressional hearings on this and this potentially will spread to inquiries of the intelligence agenicies that confirmed Flynn’s involvement with the Russians and perhaps your boy Trump.
Blah blah blah Whining losers.
The lengths that you Trump sycophants will go through to deny or obfuscate Trump’s White House misdeeds is astounding. Can you imagine if this was the Clinton White House that was caught colluding with our arch-enemy the Russians? You Trumpsters would be out on the street with pitchforks in hand asking for Hillary’s head on a platter…but since it’s Trump, meh no big deal….you all are unbelievable
Pense wasn’t told until last Thursday! Trump hid the fact that Flynn lied from Pence.
Bigger scandal is Trump hid the facts and lied to the Trumpers…They back him up no matter what and he’s supposed to be honest with them, that’s the agreement…Don’t worry Trumpers Obama did the same to many Obammers…So open up to them, they’ll understand your grief…#MAGA
The biggest scandal is some public elementary school let you go on to middle school. Trump might be right, we have sunk to an all time low, and your gibberish proves it. #MAGA
Big talk from the protection of your computer…Like Trump you all talk no action…#MAGA
Oh yeah!, now let’s drag in young elementary school’s into the picture; after all, now Trump says things are falling apart at the WH because of in house LEAKING secrets yeah???
In house Leaks…Golden Showers…Trump Mania!!! #MAGA
The deeper scandal, and I honestly hope this isn’t true, is that Trump knew about Flynn’s conversations with the Russian diplomat all along.
Putin didn’t flinch when the sanctions were put in place and Russian diplomats were booted out of the U.S. That’s totally out of character for the Russian president. Did Flynn, either acting on Trump’s orders or reporting to Trump after talks with the Russian ambassador, assure Kislyak that all would taken care of once Trump took office.
Again, I hope this doesn’t go that deep, but I don’t buy the “erosion of trust” explanation for the firing. The fact that Flynn “can’t remember” if he discussed sanctions with Kislyak is so transparent. If he didn’t, he’d say so.
I would bet on flynn acting on trump’s orders. If he was acting on his own, that would suggest that he is a traitor in debt to russian interests. But, if so, trump would have taken action immediately upon learning of it last month. His waiting this long suggests he was hoping to resolve the situation without losing flynn’s services. Either way, it seems like trump’s nose is firmly up putin’s butt.
Boy-of-Boy!, this is definitely PAYBACKTIME for all of the FakeNews World what with all of the MEAT that just a few days worth dished out. Talk about cutting your own throat?!, how’s about hara kiri?, guess that’s why PM from Japan was invited to WH; to show Trump how it’s done.
This subject ain’t going to disappear anytime soon, not with pay back front and center with news organizations.
That’s for certain. Trump’s cabinet will be grilled by Congress.
I wish Trump would at least reshedule Marijuana to schedule II from schedule I, or completely drop all laws against MJ; LET FREEDOM RING, Mr. President.
Two words to get to the truth in all of this……….Water Board. With Trump’s seal of approval of course.
HAHAHAHA!!! We should make him waterboard Flynn, he is a threat to America, great him as such and see what information we can get from him…#MAGA
This is all so silly. Susan Rice went on national TV and lied twice while National Security Advisor-once that Benghazi was caused by a video, and then that Bergdahl wan’t a traitor but served with “honor and distinction” and nothing happened to her. Even more seriously, President Obama said in late 2011 while caught on a hot mic to Russian Medyedev that he would be “more flexible after the election” in regards to Russian sanctions. Again, nothing. The media/democrats are willing to risk a war with Russia to bring down Trump and regain power. Sad.
Sorry, but this isn’t about anything else except Flynn. Don’t try and deflect. And Obama could say that, why (I’ll let you answer that one)? And finally, any woman who voted for Trump really should be ashamed of herself, well unless she wants her P grabbed by a famous guy.
Now you are being really silly. Trump said lots of stupid things. Those are just words. Yet democrats had no problem supporting serial sexual predator Bill Clinton. Double standard. Trump had words. Bill Clinton had actions. And please don’t tell me that “Bill Clinton isn’t running” He was President for 8 years and “feminists” looked the other way. My mom taught me that sticks and stones may break my bones but WORDS can never harm me. Women aren’t delicate little flowers. Women can handle.
HAHAHAHA!!!! Just sad but at least you tried…#MAGA
joyce1 – It always works to change the subject. No one will be able to figure out what you’re doing.
Exactly!
In walks the genius.
We’re you a sergeant in the Red Army or just a soldier in the war on the truth? Didn’t think the military was pro-Russia, like Trump’s team. Keep drinking the Kool Aid.
And you Klastri is the master of changing the subject especially when it does not go your way, its understandable, you are a Democratic sympathizer.
So, did Joyce change the subject?
Benghazi was investigated by the Republican Senate no once but numerous times. Furthermore, when President Obama said what he said, he was already a sitting president. Flynn on the other hand had possibly made a deal with the Russian and he had not even been appointed to his post yet. So having said this and with the knowledge of Russia leaking secret documents that possibly helped Trump getting elected as president, should we, as citizens of the United States of America, not investigate into this matter at least one time?
It makes me laugh how the Democrats and its left wing radical media along with their supporters think that this is the end of President Trump. These kind of issues have happened during every administration whether it be Democrat or Republican. President Trump did the right thing what would have been real news if he did nothing. The issue has been corrected and you move on end of story.
Dav, but ALL in the first month?? Lol. Incompetent.
No, this type of thing has not happened “during every administration.”
Your lying does not help your case.
Irt Klastri: Name one Administration that did not have a scandal and do not mention Obama everyone knows what happened under his watch.
Dav, so, what then do you think about Flynn’s actions? Do you think he acted alone, as was his prior MO? Or was he instructed by Trump to discuss sanctions?
And please, you don’t think rags like the Washington Times don’t do the same thing as AP outlets? You don’t think guys like Rush make a living off of this kind of gibberish?
IRT davcon: It sounds like Trumpers have given up on Trumps biggest selling point, that he wasn’t like all the other politicians…Trumpers constantly say that he is behaving like every other politician prior to him and everyone should relax…How quick Trumpers have lowered their standards, constantly comparing Trump to what mere mortals like Obama and Clinton have previously done…Where’s your pride Trumpers, hold him accountable like you did so well with Obama and Clinton…#MAGA
This is hardly a laughing matter, no matter who is seated in the White House. If Trump knew/supported/directed Flynn’s conversations with the Russian Ambassador, and then LIED to the world about his knowledge of it … whoa!
Let’s see how this plays out. The story is gathering momentum; it’s not time to “move on” just yet. Senate may be leaning toward a full investigation.
“…what would have been real news if he did nothing.” Has Trump done anything on North Korea? He talks a good game about being tough and laying down the law, but his lack of action is very telling.
IRT CCH: Could he be afraid??? Telling point was watching the handshake with Trudeau who clearly was prepared for Trumps power move…Trump had a puppy look to him the rest of the day…All bark, No bite??? #MAGA
CCH> Trump did something, but what would you suggest he do about N. Korea?
juris> So much talk but no solution (practical that is). All personal and vindictive. What did Trump do to you anyway?
bsdetection> All fake news from WP. The biggest problem is not Flynn, it’s the OBAMA leftovers in the Intel agencies that have failed to honor their oath of office that they took when they first got their jobs. It is really disheartening that they do what they do for political reasons. They should be held accountable for their errant performance of duty, and be appropriately punished. Loose lips do sink ships!! Very unprofessional.
I thought it was, who cares about the means just as long as the truth comes out…Heard It during Clinton email but now it’s, what a shame they are opening their mouth and telling the truth…Solutions??? Why Donald checking this board to see what we doing??? You think he’s calling you up to see what he should do??? HE NOT LISTENING TO YOU OR ME!!! #MAGA
Ah, NP, didn’t Flynn resign, well he was given the courtesy of being allowed to resign. So, let’s say that even if the information about his illegal conversations were gained illegally, does that mean they didn’t happen?
advertiser1> Flynn was offered the “out” by being allowed to submit his resignation to POTUS. More than often this is the route given in public/government service. The facts are the facts if they are “True” but since nothing but words have been said one can suppose that there is something “fishy” going on. Where are the transcripts of those monitored conversations. Who was the intel operative that monitored the conversation, where’s the trail of custody of this “classified information?” Besides Flynn’s resignation, someone was responsible for the leaking of the “classified” conversations. They must pay the price for failing to perform their sworn duty in a professional manner. Didn’t check what the current penalty is for unauthorized disclosure of classified information, but when I had access, it was 10 years in prison, and/or $10,000 or both. Someone else has to be made to pay the price of playing with classified information, regardless of the legality of the conversation or how they were obtained.
Pence learned that Flynn had lied to him when he read about it in the Washington Post! Trump, who had known for weeks, kept that knowledge secret from Pence.
NY Times: “Phone records and intercepted calls show that members of Donald J. Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and other Trump associates had repeated contacts with senior Russian intelligence officials in the year before the election, according to four current and former American officials.”
Oh, God. Can things get any worse?
WASHINGTON >> Russia has deployed a cruise missile in violation of a Cold War-era arms control treaty, a Trump administration official said Tuesday, a development that complicates the outlook for U.S.-Russia relations amid turmoil on the White House national security team.
Fake News…Not a cruise missile…Fireworks welcoming Flynn back home to Mother Russia…#MAGA
This joke of a presidency is crippled and terminal. Only a matter of time before KABOOM!
So why did he wait so long to act on it? Why this cover up?
Can he be charged as a traitor?
Once again the fake medias use of terms not true to distort the facts “Trump ousted advisor” “Spicer said of Flynn’s firing” , Truth, he resigned.