Media report General Flynn discussed sanctions with Russian ambassador prior to Trump’s swearing-in, despite originally denying topic was discussed

Washington (February 10, 2017) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), members of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement today after media reported that national security adviser Michael Flynn privately discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak prior to President Donald Trump taking office. These media reports contradict public statements by General Flynn and the Trump administration that the two did not discuss Russian sanctions. According to the Washington Post, General Flynn’s spokesman yesterday altered its position on previous statements and said General Flynn “indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn’t be certain that the topic never came up.”

 

“News reports of General Flynn’s conversations about Russian sanctions with President Vladimir Putin’s ambassador to Washington prior to President Trump’s swearing-in are extremely troubling,”said Senator Markey. “That General Flynn may have misled the Vice President of the United States and others raises the most serious questions about his ability to continue serving as National Security Advisor. I hope federal law enforcement professionals investigate this matter immediately. Any effort to undermine our nation’s foreign policy – even during a transition period – may be illegal and must be taken seriously.”  

“There is no good way to explain today’s report that Michael Flynn was coordinating sanctions relief for Russia before his boss was inaugurated,” said Senator Murphy. “Either Donald Trump directed his National Security Adviser to undermine U.S. foreign policy on Russia, or Michael Flynn went rogue and did it on his own. Then he either lied to the Vice President or the Vice President went on television to lie to the American people. Whatever transpired, the President needs to get his White House under control. I’m glad the FBI is continuing its investigation, because these troubling reports raise more red flags about the administration’s intentions and integrity.”