Flynn to testify that Trump directed him to make contact with Russians: Report


  • Former National Security Advisor Gen. Michael Flynn is reportedly willing to testify that President Donald Trump and Trump transition officials directed him to make contact with Russians during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
  • Flynn has pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI, a felony that is believed to be part of a deal to cooperate with Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
  • Trump has vehemently denied that he ever had anything to do with Russia.


Christina Wilkie | @christinawilkie
Published 9 Hours Ago Updated 6 Hours AgoCNBC.com

Here's what Michael Flynn's information could mean for the Trump presidency 9 Hours Ago | 02:27


Former National Security Advisor Gen. Michael Flynn is reportedly prepared to testify that President Donald Trump and Trump transition officials directed him to make contact with Russians during Trump's presidential campaign, according to ABC News and court filings in Flynn's case.

Citing a Flynn "confidant," ABC News' Brian Ross reported that Flynn has "promised full cooperation" with Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and he is "prepared to testify against President Trump, against members of the Trump family and others in the White House. He is prepared to testify that President Trump, as a candidate, Donald Trump, ordered and directed him to make contact with the Russians, which contradicts all that Donald Trump has said at this point."

Flynn pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday to making false statements to the FBI, a felony.

The guilty plea is part of an agreement Flynn made with the special counsel's office, which is investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Prosecutors also released Flynn's Statement of Offense, which detailed how Trump transition officials directed Flynn to reach out to Russian officials and officials from other countries during the presidential transition. So far, only ABC News has reported that Trump himself directed Flynn to contact Russians.

In a statement, Flynn said, "my guilty plea and agreement to cooperate with the Special Counsel's Office reflect a decision I made in the best interests of my family and of our country."

ABC also reported that Flynn made the decision to cooperate with Mueller only in the past 24 hours, as he faced mounting legal bills and intense pressure from prosecutors. "He is distraught about the decision, but feels he is doing the right thing for his country."

https://www.cnbc.com/2017/12/01/flyn...s-reports.html