Michael Flynn apparently introduced himself to the National Security Council by talking up Russia
Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn didn't do a great job at tamping down rumors of inappropriate communications with Russians.
A Politico report published Friday describes a rocky start to Flynn's short-lived tenure. Hundreds of staffers at the National Security Council were reportedly baffled that Flynn didn't introduce himself or say a few words as the new leader, even via email, for about two weeks. When he finally called a meeting, writes Politico, staffers became even more worried:
NSC employees were especially concerned given rumors, at the time, about Flynn's connections to Russia — connections, of course, that ultimately led to his resignation and an eventual plea deal with Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
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.
"It didn't make any sense," one attendee of the meeting told Politico. "A lot of us left the room and discussed it afterward in the context of the Russia commentary, and it was like, 'Wow, did that just happen?' It seemed as if he was completely naive, at best, to the state of play in big power foreign policy dynamics. He thought Russia wasn't a problem."
Flynn was also reportedly M.I.A. for much of his 24 days as national security adviser, failing to respond to important memos or include other NSC staffers in making major public decisions. Flynn, through his lawyer, declined to comment. Read more at Politico.
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
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
Magazine solutions - February 7, 2025
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - February 7, 2025
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - February 7, 2025
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - February 7, 2025
By The Week US Published
-
Hands-on experiences that let travelers connect with the culture
The Week Recommends Sharpen your sense of place through these engaging activities
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Trump says 25% tariffs on Canada, Mexico start Feb. 1
Speed Read The tariffs imposed on America's neighbors could drive up US prices and invite retaliation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump blames diversity, Democrats for DC air tragedy
Speed Read The president suggested that efforts to recruit more diverse air traffic controllers contributed to the deadly air crash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
White House withdraws Trump's spending freeze
Speed Read President Donald Trump's budget office has rescinded a directive that froze trillions of dollars in federal aid and sowed bipartisan chaos
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OpenAI announces ChatGPT Gov for government use
Speed Read The artificial intelligence research company has launched a new version of its chatbot tailored for the US government
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Caroline Kennedy urges Senate to reject RFK Jr.
Speed Read Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s cousin said he should not become President Donald Trump's health secretary, calling his medical views 'dangerous'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
GOP senator reneged on voting against Hegseth
Speed Read North Carolina senator Thom Tillis provided the deciding vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump sparks chaos with spending, aid freezes
Speed Read A sudden freeze on federal grants and loans by President Donald Trump's administration has created widespread confusion
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump feuds with Colombia on deportee flights
Speed Read Colombia has backed off from a trade war with the U.S., reaching an agreement on accepting deported migrants following tariff threats from President Donald Trump
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published