America's national security advisers last an average of 949 days in the job. Michael Flynn lasted just 24.
When Michael Flynn resigned Monday night, he claimed what may be the record for shortest tenure ever for a national security adviser. Typically, national security advisers last an average of 949 days on the job, author and London School of Economics government fellow Brian Klaas noted. President Trump's national security adviser lasted a tiny fraction of that:
Flynn resigned late Monday after just 24 days in the post following the Justice Department's warning to the White House that Flynn's discussion of sanctions with Russia's ambassador could make him susceptible to blackmail.
Prior to Trump's inauguration, the retired general discussed the sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on Russia over its alleged interference in the U.S. presidential election during a phone call with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. However, Flynn initially denied he'd discussed the topic with Kislyak, and Vice President Mike Pence repeated that claim in multiple interviews. Flynn later admitted he had discussed the sanctions.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In his resignation letter, Flynn said he had unintentionally given Pence "incomplete information," and had apologized to both the vice president and the president.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
5 deliciously funny cartoons about turkeys
Cartoons Artists take on pardons, executions, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published