Putin ‘lie’ forces out top adviser after just 24 days

THE Trump White House was in disarray yesterday after the President’s national security adviser quit after just 24 days.

Mike Flynn was asked to step down for secretly discussing sanctions against Russia with its ambassador to America – then trying to cover it up.

Mr Trump is facing calls from Republicans and Democrats for an independent inquiry into his ties with Russia and its president Vladimir Putin after Mr Flynn quit.

Fiery retired three-star general Mr Flynn was one of Mr Trump’s closest advisers but his 24 days in office is the shortest reign in US history.

His troubles were over an investigation by the FBI and intelligence services into conversations he had with the Russia’s ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak, in December.

As the discussions took place before Mr Flynn took office they were a breach of protocol and possibly a criminal offence.

Mr Flynn put out false statements saying he did not talk about sanctions and is said to have lied to many officials including Vice President Mike Pence, who defended him in TV interviews.

In his resignation letter Mr Flynn said: “Unfortunately, because of the fast pace of events, I inadvertently briefed the Vice President and others with incomplete information. I’ve sincerely apologised to the President and Vice President.”

Adam Schiff, a Democrat Representative and member of the House Intelligence Committee, said: “How long did this relationship between Flynn and others at the Kremlin go on? How much of this was condoned by the President?

“What I find so troubling is the White House knew Flynn had lied…the whole country was misled as long as the public did not know. It’s deeply troubling.”

Former US Army General Keith Kellogg has taken over as acting national security adviser.