Former national security advisor Michael Flynn has admitted to knowingly lying to the FBI about conversations with Russian Ambassador, Sergey Kislyak.
Flynn, one of President Trump’s most early and vocal supporters, appeared in federal court at 10:30 am EST after surrendering to law enforcement earlier this morning.
The retired lieutenant general is the first Trump administration official to plead guilty in special counsel Robert Mueller’s ongoing Russian probe.
Flynn’s plea deal involves confessing to one count of “willfully and knowingly” making “materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements” to FBI agents.
The fact Mueller charged Flynn with a single count, prosecutors delayed grand jury proceedings, and the general’s defense team recently cut ties with Trump suggests he is cooperating with Mueller in exchange for leniency (RELATED: Flynn’s Lawyers Send White House Troubling Message).
The White House did not immediately comment, though a source who advises the administration said this wasn’t unexpected.
Flynn held the job of national security advisor for less than a month, after reportedly lying about his interactions with Ambassador Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence and then-Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.
CNN sources previously revealed they didn’t believe Flynn intentionally misled investigators.
At this time, it’s mere speculation as to what Flynn told the FBI’s Office of Special Counsel and what, if any, other pertinent information he has.
What is clear, is that Mueller has held his cards close to the vest to keep from revealing to the public – and the president – what Flynn told him.
You can read the charges against Michael Flynn here.
AAN Staff
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