‘Flynn testimony’ drops a bombshell on Trump

As the debate over Russian scandal rages, Trump aides are volunteering to testify to Congress without even being asked for. First it was ex-Trump’s national security adviser Michael Flynn, who was fired in January for misleading the White House about his conversation with Russian envoy Sergei Kislyak, offered to testify if granted immunity. Flynn initially lied to Vice President Mike Pence about having discussed US sanctions against Russia with Kislyak. But he was sacked when the details of his phone call emerged. The Department of Justice had already warned that Flynn was vulnerable to Russian blackmail. Flynn’s Russian links are under FBI scrutiny. House Senate Intelligence Committee is also probing the case as part of wider investigations into claims Moscow sought to help Trump win election.
Just two months in office, Trump has suffered staggering setbacks. The Republican president suffered defeats in court as his travel ban on six predominantly Muslim countries remains halted by judges. Also, a new legislation for repealing Obamacare failed to reach the House floor owing to the opposition by conservatives.
Now Trump’s other associates are eager to testify before the committees investigating Russian meddling in US election and Trump campaign collusion. Trump’ son-in-law, Jared Kushner, told the Senate intelligence panel that he was ready to be quizzed about his meetings with the Russian ambassador and others. Paul Manafort, the former Trump campaign chairman, showed readiness to testify. So did former Trump adviser Carter Page and associate Roger Stone.
Trump’s associates are coming forward as they are caught up in the swirling debate about the Russian scandal. With their reputations at stake, it’s only wise for them to seek proactively to clear their names. After all, the cover-up is always worse than the original sin. Excluding Flynn, these aides haven’t publicly asked for any protections from prosecution to testimony.
But the top Democrats on the House intelligence panel said it was too early to consider an immunity deal for Flynn.
Speculations are rife that Trump is concerned Flynn might divulge damaging information in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Flynn’s lawyer has said that his client and Trump’s former national security adviser certainly has a “story to tell.”
Flynn might have a story to tell, but nobody can guess what. It can be possible Flynn will spill the beans over possible campaign contacts with Russian operatives or even collusion. But there appears to be no firm ground for such speculation.
It can also be possible that Flynn is taking preemptive measures. He might be seeking immunity to insulate himself from legal trouble if he were to answer detailed questions about his foreign contacts and lobbying efforts.
But if Flynn reveals anything which can serve as substantial evidence about Russian meddling, it will be like a bombshell on Trump. Given the uncertainty of the situation, however, there’s sure to be some sleepless nights ahead for the White House.