Flynn Was Briefed on CIA Secrets for Weeks Despite Warnings of Potential Russian Blackmail
CIA director Pompeo continued to conduct briefings in White House's Oval Office with Flynn present, even as senior intelligence officials warned that Flynn represented a dire problem
U.S. President Donald Trump’s former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was privy to the most sensitive CIA intelligence, despite warnings from senior intelligence officials that he was vulnerable to Russian blackmail, The New York Times reported Tuesday.
- U.S. Lawmakers Question Michael Flynn's Disclosures of Middle East Travels
- Trump Confirms He Is Being Investigated Over Comey Ouster, Attacks Deputy AG in Baffling Tweet
- Israeli Spyware Firm Embroiled in Mexico Mobile Hacking Scandal. Flynn Was Its Adviser
Senior officials at the FBI, CIA, Department of Justice, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence had all warned that Flynn represented a dire problem and should not be given access to security briefings. However, CIA director Mike Pompeo continued to conduct security briefings in the Oval Office with Flynn in the room every day for three weeks, according to the report.
Pompeo dodged questions from senators last month about Flynn’s vulnerability. “I can’t answer yes or no,” he said. “I regret that I’m unable to do so."
“Either Director Pompeo had no idea what people in the CIA reportedly knew about Michael Flynn, or he knew about the Justice Department’s concerns and continued to discuss America’s secrets with a man vulnerable to blackmail,” Senator Wyden told the New York Times. “I believe Director Pompeo owes the public an explanation.”