WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 13, 2017 (UPI) — National security adviser Michael Flynn resigned from the Trump administration late Monday night over improper communications with Russia’s ambassador to the United States, then misleading Vice President Mike Pence about it.
Flynn tendered his resignation to President Donald Trump late Monday night after reports the Justice Department had warned the Trump administration he could be subject to blackmail by the Russian government, in addition to possible improper communications with the Russian ambassador.
In a resignation letter forwarded to the media by the White House, Flynn said he made numerous calls to foreign counterparts as part of working for the president’s transition team and are part of standard practice for incoming administrations.
“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,” Flynn wrote in the letter. “I have sincerely apologized to the President and the Vice President, and they have accepted my apology.”
Several top aides had been pushing Trump to replace Flynn and searched for candidates, with retired Gen. David Petraeus scheduled to meet with the president on Tuesday and a list of others being prepared for the president’s consideration.
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