The Situation Around Embattled National Security Adviser Michael Flynn

Michael T. Flynn, the national security adviser,
during a news conference on Monday.
Credit: Stephen Crowley/The New York Times

Here are what CNN, and News And Guts, a production company created by journalist Dan Rather, had to say regarding national security adviser Michael Flynn’s resignation.

“The situation around embattled national security adviser Michael Flynn remained "fluid" Monday night -- right up until his resignation.

“His departure came just after reports surfaced the Justice Department warned the Trump administration last month that Flynn misled administration officials regarding his communications with the Russian ambassador to the United States and was potentially vulnerable to blackmail by the Russians,” according to CNN.

News And Guts:

Evan Osnos from the New Yorker wrote this morning--
"The Flynn story is a reminder of a big truth: Journalism lives. And principled public servants who got the story out are hidden heroes."

After months of condemnation from a man who seeks to belittle journalists for stories that show him in a negative light and are therefore "fake", how refreshing to see the truth win out. Remember, The Washington Post was banned from the Trump campaign for months, but they didn't whine about it. They still attended rallies across the country, and reported the facts. Perhaps it's ironic that is was the Post's story from last night that was the last straw. Shortly after it posted a piece on the acting attorney general warning the White House weeks ago that Flynn could be blackmailed by the Russians that the National Security Advisor submitted his letter of resignation. This is why journalism matters, why good, honest hard working reporters matter, now more than ever.

But it wasn't just reporters. There were many people-emphasis in many-inside government, who knew what was going on and made sure the word got out. As has been reported before, this White House doesn't leak like a sieve, as much as a bucket with no bottom.

So, where are we? Gen. Flynn is out but so many questions remain. If the White House knew weeks ago that Flynn had spoken to the Russians, why did he continue to have the "full confidence of the President"? When asked aboard Air Force One on Friday about General Flynn and his sanctions discussions with the Russians, why did the President say he knew nothing about it?

POLITICO has a wrap up of the days events and who may be in line to succeed Gen. Flynn.