News Analysis
United States National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Michael Flynn submitted his resignation on Monday following the release of the transcript that revealed his discussion, with Russian ambassador, regarding US sanctions on Russia.
Flynn first denied that he talked of the sanctions, which were imposed by the then president Barak Obama after US intelligence agencies confirmed Moscow’s meddling in US presidential election, but later it became clear that he was lying.
Flynn’s conversation, with Russian ambassador, took place weeks before the inauguration of Donald J. Trump which is a breach of the US laws. Flynn was then part of the Trump transition team, and he only later became National Security Adviser (NSA)
US Pres. Donald #Trump’s National Security Adviser #MichaelFlynn resigns amid controversy about contacts with Russia https://t.co/QZE7Y07o1a
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) February 14, 2017
Russia, which is accused of meddling in US Presidential elections 2016, is also said to have paid Michael Flynn to appear on RT (Russian Television; international broadcasts, set up in 2005) television. Michael Flynn, like Trump, was considered a strong advocate of closer relations between Russia and the United States. But media and critics suspected that his views were not pure political conviction and represented a conflict of interest problem.
Michael Flynn also admitted in his resignation that he misled Mike Pence, Vice – President, among others. Pence had publicly denied Flynn’s discussion about sanctions. Flynn wrote, “Unfortunately, because of the fast pace of events, I inadvertently briefed the vice-president-elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador. I have sincerely apologized to the president and the vice president, and they have accepted my apology.”
But the hasty tone and tenor of his resignation letter have given brith to the speculations that perhaps he was literally given the choice between: immediate resignation and being fired. Flynn’s unceremonious departure may not be the end of Trump’s problems.
Flynn’s unceremonious departure may not be the end of Trump’s problems.
Many suspect that Trump’s own soft position on Russia is not necessarily a political conviction but instead he fears Putin. Unverified media reports, originating from UK and former official of British intelligence, MI6, had claimed that Russian intelligence may have some material on Trump from his 2013 visit to Moscow which can be used to blackmail him. Trump had strongly denied these accusations. However it remains to be seen if Flynn’s resignation will end all speculations of Trump’s “Russian Connection” or these will come back to haunt him and his presidency?