Flynn Offers to Testify in Exchange for Immunity
On Thursday evening the Wall Street Journal reported on a potentially groundbreaking development in the investigations into the Trump campaign’s relationship with Russia.
According to a statement from General Michael Flynn’s attorney, Flynn has offered to testify before the House and Senate Intelligence committees regarding their investigations into the Trump campaign’s potential ties to Russia.
The statement said, in part, “General Flynn certainly has a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it, should circumstances permit.”
Flynn’s attorney also argued that “no reasonable person” would agree to testify in such a politically contentious investigation without the guarantee of immunity.
What exactly Flynn’s lawyer, Robert Kelner, meant by “a story” remains unclear, but it stands to reason that his request for immunity means the President’s former National Security Advisor likely believes he has information incriminating White House officials at least as high-ranking as himself.
Flynn’s resignation came less than a month after President Trump took office, amid allegations that he discussed sanctions in a phone call with Russia’s ambassador prior to Trump taking office.
While Flynn, Vice President Pence, and other members of the administration had previously denied that the phone call took place, news reports made clear that Flynn had spoken to the Russian ambassador shortly after the Obama Administration announced new sanctions in retaliation to Russian interference in our election.
In light of Flynn’s conversation with the Russian ambassador, new questions were raised about whether their discussion explains ambassador Sergey Kislyak’s inconsistent response to the sanctions — first promising retaliation before the Kremlin announced that they would not respond in kind.
Flynn had briefly maintained that he “forgot” the conversation took place, and the Trump Administration has consistently denied that the sanctions were never discussed.
The congressional official who spoke to the Wall Street Journal about the offer said they have not yet decided whether to offer Flynn immunity in exchange for an interview, a decision usually made after consulting with prosecutors.
A congressional immunity deal could undermine the parallel FBI investigation into the Trump-Russia connection, as it would prevent any prosecution of Flynn. The FBI can request that Congress delay an immunity deal if it wants, but lacks the authority to deny a deal outright.