Trump pardons ex-security advisor

Washington – President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday he had pardoned Michael Flynn, the former security advisor whose lies about his Russian contacts spurred the troubling investigation into Trump campaign collusion with Moscow.

The pardon, which was expected, came in the final weeks of Trump’s presidency, two years of which was spent fighting the allegations that Trump had overseen and sought to cover up a dangerous scheme of cooperation with Russia.

It was the first of several possible pardons that analysts think Trump could extend to political aides and allies before he steps down on 20 January.

Those could include former 2016 campaign chair Paul Manafort, also convicted in the Russia collusion investigation; Trump personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani; former advisor Steve Bannon; and Roger Stone, whose prison sentence for lying and witness tampering the president already commuted.

The announcement helped Flynn avoid a potential prison sentence being weighed in a Washington federal court.

It also appeared to bring to a close the last case arising from special counsel Robert Mueller’s sprawling 2017-2019 investigation of the Trump campaign.

It saw six campaign associates plead guilty or be convicted at trial.

“It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon,” Trump tweeted.

He wished the retired army lieutenant-general a “truly fantastic Thanksgiving!” holiday.