Trump Says He Has Granted Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn a ‘Full Pardon’
President Donald Trump says he has granted a pardon to former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn — ending a years-long legal battle for the former general. In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Trump wrote, “It is my…
President Donald Trump says he has granted a pardon to former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn — ending a years-long legal battle for the former general.
In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, Trump wrote, “It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon.”
He added, “Congratulations to and his wonderful family, I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving!”
Flynn briefly served as Trump’s national security adviser in 2017. However, he was fired and pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI twice — which he sought to retract earlier this year.
In May, the Department of Justice (DOJ) sought to drop its prosecution of Flynn “after a considered review of all the facts and circumstances of this case, including newly discovered and disclosed information.”
The department said at the time, “We do not believe that the Government can prove either the relevant false statements or their materiality beyond a reasonable doubt.”
“The Government is not persuaded that the January 24, 2017 interview was conducted with a legitimate investigative basis and therefore does not believe Mr. Flynn’s statements were material even if untrue,” it added.
“The Government has determined, pursuant to the Principles of Federal Prosecution and based on an extensive review and careful consideration of the circumstances, that continued prosecution of this case would not serve the interests of justice.”