Michael Flynn Pleads Guilty to Lying to FBI
Flynn's guilty plea for lying about Russian contacts—and his subsequent pardon by Trump—is significant both for the seniority of the position (National Security Adviser) and for the Russia-related context. The DOJ's later attempt to dismiss the case and Trump's pardon meant no ultimate consequences, but Flynn's is one of at least ten guilty pleas or convictions among Trump's closest associates.
Details
Michael Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general who served as Trump's National Security Adviser, pleaded guilty in December 2017 to lying to the FBI about conversations he had with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition.
Flynn was fired from his position as National Security Adviser in February 2017, just 22 days into the Trump administration, after it was revealed he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with Russian officials.
The Justice Department moved to dismiss the case in 2020 amid controversy. Trump pardoned Flynn in November 2020.