Kushner ‘directed ex-national adviser to contact Russia’

US: Donald Trump’s son-in-law told Michael Flynn to contact foreign governments, according to court papers

Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner is the “very senior transition official” referred to in court papers filed in the case of Michael Flynn who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, sources said.

According to court papers filed yesterday, the “very senior transition official” directed former national security adviser Flynn to contact foreign governments, including Russia, about a UN resolution regarding Israeli settlements.

Flynn agreed to cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe, which focuses on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible coordination between Moscow and Mr Trump’s campaign aimed at sending the Republican businessman to the White House

He told investigators a senior member of the president’s transition team directed him to make contact with Russian officials in December 2016.

Flynn was an early and vocal Trump supporter on the campaign trail and was present for big moments in the campaign, the following transition period and the early days of Mr Trump’s presidency, making him a valuable potential tool for prosecutors and agents.

His business dealings and foreign interactions have made him a central focus of Mr Mueller’s investigation.

Flynn admitted to lying about his conversations with Russia’s ambassador to the US during the transition period before Mr Trump’s inauguration.

In a statement, the retired army lieutenant general accepted responsibility for his actions and added: “My guilty plea and agreement to cooperate with the Special Counsel’s Office reflect a decision I made in the best interests of my family and of our country.”

President Donald Trump has denied he wants to oust US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, calling reports to that effect “fake news”, as his top diplomat brushed off speculation that he has lost the confidence of the White House.

As Mr Tillerson went about his normal schedule of diplomatic activities, including two meetings with Mr Trump, the president said his secretary of state is “not leaving”.

“The media has been speculating that I fired Rex Tillerson or that he would be leaving soon – Fake News!” Mr Trump tweeted yesterday.

My guilty plea and agreement to cooperate with the Special Counsel’s Office reflects a decision I made in the best interests of my family and of our country. MICHAEL FLYNN

Picture: Getty. Former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, right, was charged by special counsel Robert Mueller for making false statements to the FBI during the Russia probe.