The investigation into Donald Trump’s ties to Russia, and the nation’s interference in the 2016 Presidential Election, has just taken an interesting turn.
Former National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn, who was appointed by Trump prior to his resignation, offered to speak with the House and Senate investigators regarding the controversy. But, not before an attempt to secure his own safety.
According to reports, Flynn requested an immunity deal from prosecution in exchange for his testimony, which would prevent the Justice Department from pursuing charges against Flynn in connection with this case.
On Thursday, Flynn’s lawyer confirmed his client’s request, adding that “no reasonable person who has the benefit of advice from counsel would submit questioning in such a highly politicized witch-hunt environment without assurances against unfair prosecution.”
“General Flynn certainly has a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it, should circumstances permit,” Robert Kelner said.
However, investigators refused to cut a deal with Flynn, for now at least. Sources say, they are getting all their ducks in a row before they dive into a deal, plus they want to make sure Flynn’s information will be beneficial to their case, as they are not convinced Flynn won’t plead the fifth, during his testimony.
If you recall, Flynn has been in hot water, since reports surfaced of the misinformation he provided to White House officials, including Vice President Mike Pence. In February, Flynn resigned and released a statement saying that he had provided, “incomplete information about the conversations with Mr. Kislyak,” the Russian ambassador. It was later revealed that Flynn had discussed the sanctions that the Obama administration imposed on the nation, late last year, in response to their interference with the election.
In any case, according to CNN, a testimony from Flynn could represent a major development in the investigation into the Trump administration’s ties to Russian. Three former aides to the celebrity-in-chief have already agreed to testify, without immunity, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, former adviser Roger Stone and former foreign policy adviser Carter Page, CNN reports.
“At this early stage, I wouldn’t read anything into this request beyond smart lawyering,” a Washington lawyer, who specializes in national security cases, said of Flynn’s request. “In such a politically charged, high-profile national security case, I couldn’t imagine not first asking for immunity. I would suspect both Congress and the F.B.I will generate additional evidence from smaller players before deciding to immunize General Flynn.”
On Friday, Trump encouraged his former National Security adviser to pursue an immunity deal, calling the probe a “witch hunt.”
“Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!” Trump wrote on Twitter.
The Justice Department has yet to comment on the matter.
In the wake of the reports of Flynn’s request for immunity, Democrats have been reportedly circulating a comment Flynn made on MSNBC last year: “when you are given immunity, that means you probably committed a crime.”
What are your thoughts?
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