In resignation letter, embattled adviser admits providing « incomplete information » about his discussions with foreign officials
Last Updated Feb 14, 2017 1:33 AM EST
National security adviser Michael Flynn offered his resignation on Monday night, and it was accepted by President Trump, senior White House sources told CBS News.
Flynn said in his resignation letter that during the course of his duties as incoming national security adviser he held “numerous” phone calls with foreign counterparts, ministers and ambassadors that were “to facilitate a smooth transition and begin to build the necessary relationships” between President Trump, his advisers and foreign leaders.
“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 said. “I have sincerely apologized to the President and the Vice President, and they have accepted my apology.”
National security adviser Michael Flynn was under fire after he misled superiors about his conversations with a Russian diplomat. Washington Post…
In the letter, Flynn praised the president, who, he said, “in just three weeks, has reoriented American foreign policy in fundamental ways to restore America’s leadership position in the world.”
President Trump named retired Lt. General Joseph Keith Kellogg, Jr., “a decorated veteran of the United States Army,” as acting national security adviser following Flynn’s resignation, the White House said in a statement.
Kellogg was part of the Trump transition, CBS News’ Major Garrett notes, and is well-known to Mr. Trump. He is a top contender to replace Flynn permanently because of his work on the transition and familiarity with Mr. Trump.
Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg speaks to the media in the lobby of Donald Trump’s Trump Tower in New York, New York, U. S. November 15, 2016.
Before he retired from the Army, Kellogg was Director of the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers Directorate under the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
President Trump is meeting with Gen. David Petraeus this week.
CBS News’ Margaret Brennan reports that his name, along with CENTCOM’s Vice Adm. Richard Harward, have also been floated by the White House to replace Flynn, but according to Garrett, Petraeus is not expecting an offer to be national security adviser.
Flynn’s resignation prompted swift reaction from Democrats .
