President Trump Pardons Michael Flynn

President Donald Trump pardons Michael Flynn, his former national security adviser via Twitter. “It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon,” the president wrote. “Congratulations to @GenFlynn and his wonderful family, I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving!”

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Later that day, the White House released a statement saying that Flynn “should never have been prosecuted” and that the pardon ends “the relentless, partisan pursuit of an innocent man.” It added: “While today’s action sets right an injustice against an innocent man and an American hero, it should also serve as a reminder to all of us that we must remain vigilant over those in whom we place our trust and confidence.”

US Sanctions Against Russia

In 2016, Michael Flynn allegedly talked to Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislya. He reportedly talked about US sanctions against Russia a month before Trump took office. Senior US officials see the interaction as inappropriate and potentially illegal. When asked about it, Flynn denied talking about sanctions with Kislyak. 

Two days later, he backtracked. Through a spokesman, Flynn “indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn’t be certain that the topic never came up.” The conversation drew the attention of the FBI, who were already investigating possible collaboration between Trump officials and Russia. White House officials also stated that Flynn and Kislyak did not discuss sanctions. But later on, Flynn pled guilty twice to lying to the FBI about this matter.

Mueller Investigation

A Special Counsel investigation by special prosecutor Robert Mueller investigated the matter. From May 2017 to March 2019, they tried to establish if the Trump campaign actively collaborated with Russian officials. Flynn cooperated with the Mueller investigation at first but later withdrew. He said prosecutors were railroading him in order to get to Trump. 

Upon the completion of the investigation, the Mueller report did not come to a conclusion. The White House said that the investigation was a hoax and that Trump is a victim. Earlier this year, Flynn’s lawyers asked to withdraw his guilty plea. They claimed prosecutorial misconduct in handling Flynn’s case. 

Prosecutorial Misconduct

FBI documents detail how they handled Flynn's case. One of the FBI’s notes asked what their goal is in investigating Flynn. It asked what the game plan should be. Do they ask him for the “Truth/Admission or to get him to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired?” 

Given the new findings, the Trump Justice Department moved to drop its case against Flynn. At first, a three-judge panel agreed to dismiss the case. However, Sullivan asked the full lineup of appellate court judges to reconsider. They agreed and sent the case back for consideration if they should agree with the DOJ for the dismissal.

White House Backs Flynn

Trump often remarked that he considered granting Flynn a pardon. After all, he worked as National Security Adviser for less than a month before Trump had to fire him. 

In a statement, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said “The President has pardoned General Flynn because he should never have been prosecuted.” She added that “An independent review of General Flynn’s case by the Department of Justice — conducted by respected career professionals— supports this conclusion.” 

“In fact, the Department of Justice has firmly concluded that the charges against General Flynn should be dropped. This Full Pardon achieves that objective, finally bringing to an end the relentless, partisan pursuit of an innocent man,” she said.

‘They Shall Not Prevail Against Thee’

The pardon rendered the investigation and the ongoing review to drop the case moot. This also ensures that there won't be any further action against Flynn on the matter. 

Meanwhile, and hours before he received the pardon, Flynn tweeted “Jeremiah 1:19.” Referring to a Bible verse, it talked about prevailing against enemies. The verse read: “And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.”

Watch the full video as CNN’s breaking news report that President Trump pardons former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn:

The case has dragged long enough. Thankfully, Trump put an end to it once and for all. But, do you agree with Trump pardoning Flynn? Let us know what you think about Flynn and his involvement with Russians.