Blumenthal Statement on Guilty Plea of Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement today after Michael Flynn, President Trump’s former National Security Advisor, pled guilty to a charge of lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation:

“Michael Flynn’s admission of criminal guilt is shattering for the Trump presidency. Clearly, Flynn is cooperating – and he must continue to cooperate completely and candidly if he hopes to avoid even more serious criminal convictions. The Special Counsel has breached the White House gates, reaching one of the President’s most trusted confidants and unmistakably implicating other top officials. The exact charge sends a bombshell signal: it’s about the Russians. Specifically, Flynn lied about issues of preeminent Russian interests – sanctions, the United Nations, and Russian exchanges. Flynn’s betrayal of national security is an enduring black mark on our country’s history and a stunning violation of his oath of office. Incredibly, he lied to the FBI while he was the President’s chief national security adviser.”

“The Special Counsel’s action demonstrates incomparable skill and courage, which now must be matched by Congress in approving legislation to protect him from any improper political interference. The President’s past threats and intimidation show this danger is real and urgent as the investigation comes closer to the Oval Office. The Senate Judiciary Committee should immediately move legislation to protect the special counsel as I and others have proposed.”

“The Senate Judiciary Committee must pursue its investigation with new urgency. The Judiciary Committee is investigating obstruction of justice directly relating to President Trump’s firing of James Comey after Comey refused to drop the very investigation of Michael Flynn now culminating in this conviction. The Judiciary Committee must issue subpoenas for documents and witness testimony – in public and under oath – as I have repeatedly urged, without continued delay.”