WASHINGTON ― National security adviser Michael Flynn resigned late Monday, following revelations that he discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with that country’s ambassador in the days surrounding their imposition ― and weeks prior to Donald Trump’s inauguration. Retired Lt. Gen. Joseph Keith Kellogg Jr. will serve as acting national security advisor until a full-time replacement is named, the White House announced. Flynn at first denied that he had discussed the sanctions when he spoke with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. When Putin’s response to Obama’s sanctions was uncharacteristically subdued, for example, Trump praised the Russian leader for his savvy. Flynn, like Trump, has advocated a closer relationship with Russia as an ally in the fight against Islamic terrorism.

Source: Huffington Post February 14, 2017 04:05 UTC