Photo: Zach Rudisin via Wikimedia Commons
National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigned Monday evening in a rare instance following reports that he might have violated law in discussions with Russian ambassador to the United States, and later mischaracterized those conversation to the White House.
The conversation between Flynn and Russian envoy in Washington took place before Trump’s inauguration as president of the United States.
President Donald Trump accepted Flynn’s resignation and named Lt Gen Joseph Keith Kellogg, Jr, as Acting National Security adviser.
“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. I have sincerely apologized to the President and the Vice President, and they have accepted my apology,” Flynn, a former general, wrote in his resignation letter.
A report in The Washington Post earlier revealed that the Justice Department had warned the White House in January that Flynn had “so mischaracterized his communications with the Russian diplomat that he might be vulnerable to blackmail by Moscow.”
After reports emerged that Flynn discussed US sanctions against Moscow with Russian Ambassaodor Sergey Kislyak. Pence, the former NSA is reported to have denied that account to Vice President Mike Pence.
Initially, White House officials defended Flynn but on Monday reports said President Trump was evaluating the situation in the wake of revelations about the Justice Department’s warning on Flynn’s discussion.
Acting National Security Adviser, General Kellogg is a decorated veteran of the United States Army, having served from 1967 to 2003, including two tours during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with “V” device, and the Air Medal with “V” device, the White House said.
According a statement, Kellogg served as the Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division from 1997 to 1998. Prior to his retirement, General Kellogg was Director of the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Directorate under the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
