Michael Flynn, Former national security adviser, is set to come forward with documents to the Senate Committee as required for the investigation into Russia’s interference in the just concluded elections, according to sources.Flynn’s decision to support the investigation came as Michael Cohen, Trump’s personal lawyer declines a request by the committee to produce the documents, and Boris Epshten, a former White House staffer, confirmed he has been called upon to provide information for the investigation.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have condemned the allegation of Russia’s attempt to interfere in the presidential elections.
Michael Flynn and Senate Committee Find Common Ground
Flynn’s cooperation was a sign that he and the Senate Committee were on level ground. The retired general is trying to limit indicating disclosures that the lawmakers may use against him as they press for important documents.
Michael Flynn had already invoked his Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination when the Committee requested a wide range of documented information relating to his contacts with Russia. Flynn’s lawyer had complained that the request was too elaborate and would have required Flynn to turn over documents that could be used against him.
In response, the panel reviewed the scope of its request. It also requested records from Mr.
Flynn’s firms. Earlier this year, one of his firms, Flynn Intel Group Inc., worked with a Turkish businessman that required him to register with the Justice Department as a foreign agent. Among the transactions was the sum of $33,000 Flynn received from RT, the Russian television network which the U.S. intelligence has labeled as a propaganda arm of the Russian government.
Flynn Presents Personal Document
Sources close to Flynn said he will give up personal documents and also documents regarding the two businesses the panel requested for in the narrower subpoena. The person said, Flynn intends to produce some of the information by next week. The source spoke on condition of anonymity.
While investigations are still ongoing, Trump and Putin both denied the allegation that Russia meddled with the just concluded 2016 presidential elections by hacking classified emails.
Putin reemphasized his strong denial of Russia’s involvement in the hack in an interview he had with a French newspaper, Le Figaro. The interview, which was recorded during Putin’s trip to Paris, was released on Tuesday. Putin referred to the assertions as fictional and concocted by Democrats in order to explain their loss.
