Flynn resigns amid reports he lied about sanctions call

U.S. national security advisor Michael Flynn resigned late on Monday, Feb. 13. The New York Times reports that Flynn stepped down as the content of his conversations with the Russian ambassador in Washington, and with it the extent of his deceiving fellow White House officials, came to light.

The search for Flynn’s replacement reportedly includes the participation of secretary of defense Jim Mattis. NBC News reports that retired Navy Vice Admiral Robert Harward and former CIA director and retired four-star general David Petraeus are among those being considered for the post. Petraeus is expected to visit the White House on Tuesday.

James Hydzik: Flynn’s resignation and the direction chosen for his replacement is an important signal for the general direction of the Trump administration. First, the reports point to the fact that Flynn left foremost because of his strained relations within the White House, not for his contact with the Russian ambassador, the vulnerability to blackmail, or other activities. Second, the contenders for the position are not known for their ties with Russia and both have worked closely with Secretary Mattis, with Harward serving under Mattis as deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command, and Petraeus co-directing the creation and dissemination of a U.S. military manual with Mattis that redefined counterinsurgency for U.S. forces in the mid 2000’s. The choice of either man would considerably strengthen Mattis’ and Pence’s position on the Russia hawk wing of the Trump administration.

For Ukraine, which is relying on U.S. sanctions as well as military training and intelligence sharing as part of its defense against further Russian encroachment, the change in national security advisors could be a welcome event if only in terms of maintaining the status quo.