Flynn Seeks Immunity in Response to Russia Investigation

Michael Flynn, the ousted national security advisor of Donald Trump, has told officials investigating potential 'communications' between Trump’s campaign members and Russia that he is willing to answer questions in exchange for immunity. Robert Kelner, Flynn's lawyer, stated on April 10 that no 'rational person' with legal counsel would agree to answer questions without assurance. Kelner's comments came after a report in the Wall Street Journal, which indicated that Trump’s former advisor is willing to discuss and answer questions from the FBI and congressional officials regarding the Russia investigations, but is seeking immunity in return. The report emphasizes that it is unclear whether Flynn intends to discuss specific aspects of his work in the administration. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal quoted a government official stating that Flynn's request for immunity raises the possibility that he may have encountered 'legal troubles.' Flynn resigned in February of last year following reports about his 'contacts' with the Russian ambassador and 'discussions regarding imposed sanctions.' In his resignation letter, Flynn stated that he had multiple contacts with the Russian ambassador during the transition period between the Trump administration and the previous government and provided 'incomplete' information to Vice President Mike Pence regarding the content of these contacts. The White House stated that President Trump had discussed the communications exchanged between Pence and Flynn with Pence himself and had 'no knowledge' of the conversations between Flynn and the Russian ambassador. James Comey, the head of the FBI, confirmed in late March before Congress that the FBI is investigating 'Russian interference' in the U.S. elections and any potential connections and coordination between Trump’s aides and Russia. Russia has denied any connection with Trump’s campaign, and its president criticized media reports for being 'purveyors of fake claims' about Trump. Donald Trump has also rejected the allegations and reports related to his campaign while implicitly calling for an investigation into the communications of his electoral rival, Hillary Clinton. Just hours before the FBI director's appearance in Congress, Trump tweeted, 'What about the communications with the Clinton campaign and the Russians? Also, is it true that the Democratic committee is not allowing the FBI to investigate this?' Trump had previously accepted other allegations against Moscow regarding cyber interference in the U.S. elections, stating that he would release a report on the matter at the beginning of his presidency.