Former aide to Trump told lies to the FBI

United States: Flynn was directed to make contact with Russian officials

Donald Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, becoming the first Trump White House official to face criminal charges and admit guilt in a wide-ranging election investigation.

Flynn agreed to co-operate with special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe, which focuses on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible co-ordination 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 co-operate with the Special Counsel’s Office reflect a decision I made in the best interests of my family and of our country.”

“First Trump White House official to face criminal charges”