Michael T. Flynn tendered his resignation on Monday night. The swift decision followed after it came to light that now-former National Security Advisor failed to properly and thoroughly inform Vice President Mike Pence and a few White House officials regarding his communication with the Russian ambassador.
Only having held the position for less than a month, Flynn said that he gave "incomplete information" about a phone call he had in December with the ambassador. The exchange reportedly pertains to US warrants in opposition to Russia.
An omission made to look like an accident
"Unfortunately, because of the fast pace of events, I inadvertently briefed the Vice President Elect and others with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian Ambassador," Flynn wrote in his resignation letter, via the New York Times. "I have sincerely apologized to the President and the Vice President, and they have accepted my apology."
Although Flynn says that the failure to disclose all the information wasn't intentional, the mess from his tracks seems to indicate otherwise. He had already denied having any considerable discussions with Ambassador Sergey I. Kislyak. Vice President Pence has even gone so far as to state the claim on television earlier this month.
To make matters worse for Flynn, the Justice Department had already warned the administration weeks ago about the issue, fearing that Flynn could be susceptible to blackmail from Russia. However, it remains unclear if Donald Trump or Mike Pence were alerted about the Justice Department's advisement.
Moving forward
President Trump, who has been known to publicly address issues on his personal Twitter account, has remained mum on the issue at hand with the Russian envoy.
Needing to fill the slot, Trump has enlisted retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as the acting national security advisor.
It seems like a natural move for the POTUS to call upon Kellogg as the latter was formerly appointed as the National Security Council chief of staff. He was also Trump's advisor regarding national security issues during the transitional period.
