US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn Resigns
Flynn resigns amid controversy over Russia contacts. Possible replacements include Gen. Keith Kellogg, retired Gen. David Petraeus and former Vice Admiral Bob Harward
IsraelDefense
| 14/02/2017
Photo: AP
Less than a month into the job, White House national security adviser Michael Flynn resigned Monday night, according to CNN.
His departure came just after reports surfaced that 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.
"I inadvertently briefed the Vice President-elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador. I have sincerely apologized to the President and the Vice President, and they have accepted my apology," Flynn wrote, according to a copy of his resignation letter obtained by CNN.
"I am tendering my resignation, honored to have served our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way," he wrote. "I know with the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence and the superb team they are assembling, this team will go down in history as one of the greatest presidencies in US history."
Gen. Keith Kellogg, former National Security Council chief of staff, will be the interim national security adviser.
A senior administration official said Kellogg, retired Gen. David Petraeus and former Vice Admiral Bob Harward are possible replacements for Flynn. Another senior official told CNN that Harward is considered the top contender for the job.
Flynn resigns amid controversy over Russia contacts. Possible replacements include Gen. Keith Kellogg, retired Gen. David Petraeus and former Vice Admiral Bob Harward
Less than a month into the job, White House national security adviser Michael Flynn resigned Monday night, according to CNN.
His departure came just after reports surfaced that 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.
"I inadvertently briefed the Vice President-elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian ambassador. I have sincerely apologized to the President and the Vice President, and they have accepted my apology," Flynn wrote, according to a copy of his resignation letter obtained by CNN.
"I am tendering my resignation, honored to have served our nation and the American people in such a distinguished way," he wrote. "I know with the strong leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence and the superb team they are assembling, this team will go down in history as one of the greatest presidencies in US history."
Gen. Keith Kellogg, former National Security Council chief of staff, will be the interim national security adviser.
A senior administration official said Kellogg, retired Gen. David Petraeus and former Vice Admiral Bob Harward are possible replacements for Flynn. Another senior official told CNN that Harward is considered the top contender for the job.
