Over the last 24 hours, even more fuel has been thrown on the fire of the scandal surrounding Michael Flynn. Not only has the former national security adviser been exposed for communicating with Russian officials, but it's now been confirmed that he had been hired as a foreign agent during the presidential campaign.
Spicer of Flynn
When the news broke that Michael Flynn had registered with the Department of Justice as a foreign agent, it was uncovered that he received over $500,000 to lobby on behalf of the Turkish government. The news comes less than a month after Flynn for forced to resign as National Security Adviser due to his alleged illegal communication with the Russians only weeks after Election Day.
On Thursday night, Vice President Mike Pence was visibly frustrated over the story during an interview on Fox News. When the issue was brought up during the March 10 press briefing with Sean Spicer, it was apparent that the White House was not sure how to handle the news.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer held a press briefing at the White House on Friday, and it quickly turned into a near shouting match when the aforementioned scandal over Michael Flynn was brought up. "This is an issue of judgement over who you guys want in your administration," New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush said to Spicer, while asking about "red flags" involving Flynn. While he was describing the issue involving Flynn, and Mike Pence's reaction, Spicer was quick to cut in.
"No...no...no. Before you accuse the vice president of certain things. What he said was that he was not aware of the filing," Spicer said with frustration.
.@PressSec Pressed on Why @GenFlynn Was Appointed by @POTUS Despite 'Red Flags'https://t.co/Wkt2Lz3Ysx
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 10, 2017
"What does this say about the transition teams judgement?" Glenn Thrush asked.
"You're asking me forget about the legalisms," Sean Spicer stated, before adding, "That’s what we did!" The two continued to go back and forth over the issue, until Spicer deflected to the next question.
Things Get Heated as Reporters Grill Spicer Over Trump’s Knowledge of Flynn Being a Foreign Agent https://t.co/Rn6gOl2dFy (VIDEO) pic.twitter.com/FjpfiLc7t8
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) March 10, 2017
Moving forward
As Donald Trump and his administration continue to push back at allegations that the White House is linked to Russia, the media doesn't appear willing to stop digging.
Trump has continued to deny any involvement with the Kremlin, and is taking in active role in changing the tune, most recently accusing Barack Obama of wiretapping his phones in Trump Tower, despite not providing any evidence to back up the claim.