Michael Flynn resigned as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser on Monday night amid reported concerns by White House officials about his communications with Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., The New York Times reported Monday.
The Justice Department warned the Trump administration last month that Flynn has not been straightforward regarding the scope of his phone calls with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, according to the publication.
DOJ is also concerned that the retired Army general could be vulnerable to Russian blackmail, the report states.
The Times reported that officials found that Flynn did not forthrightly relay to administration officials that he discussed sanctions related to Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. election with Kislyak during a phone conversation.
Flynn said in his resignation letter obtained by CNN that he spoke with his foreign counterparts, ministers and ambassadors as the incoming national security adviser in efforts to help facilitate a smooth transition into the new administration.
“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,” he wrote.
“I have sincerely apologized to the President and the Vice President, and they have accepted my apology.”
