The first major shake-up of the Trump Administration took place late yesterday as National Security Adviser Michael Flynn submitted – and President Trump accepted — his resignation. This comes amid revelations that Flynn discussed U.S. sanctions with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. before the President took office. Here is the latest from the White House:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2017
President Donald J. Trump Names Lt. General Joseph Keith Kellogg, Jr. as Acting National Security Advisor
Accepts Resignation of Lt. General Michael Flynn
President Donald J. Trump has named Lt. General Joseph Keith Kellogg, Jr. (Ret) as Acting National Security Advisor following the resignation of Lt. General Michael Flynn (Ret). General Kellogg is a decorated veteran of the United States Army, having served from 1967 to 2003, including two tours during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Silver Star…
According to Reuters Flynn’s departure came just hours after Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the President was reviewing the developing situation and talking to Vice-President Pence:
Flynn had promised Pence he had not discussed U.S. sanctions with the Russians, but transcripts of intercepted communications, described by U.S. officials, showed that the subject had come up in conversations between him and the Russian ambassador.
Such contacts could potentially be in violation of a law banning private citizens from engaging in foreign policy, known as the Logan Act.
Pence had defended Flynn in television interviews and was described by administration officials as upset about being misled.
“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,” Flynn said in his resignation letter.
Flynn was an early and vociferous supporter of President Trump. Liberty Nation will be tracking this story throughout the day in order to provide our readers with the latest information.
