Donald Trump was warned about National Security Adviser scandal 'weeks ago but didn't act until media reported allegations'

Justice Department warned Donald Trump about violation 'weeks ago' but resignation did not occur until allegations emerged in media

Michael Flynn says discussion with Russian official were intended to help 'smooth transition' (Reuters)

Donald Trump was warned about Michael Flynn’s controversial contact with Russian officials but failed to act until the issue was reported in the media, it has emerged.

Mr Flynn was forced to resign as National Security Adviser to the Trump administration after it was revealed that contrary to federal law he had discussed sanctions with a Russian ambassador and then covered the contact up.

It has since been revealed that the Justice Department warned the White House about the concerns “weeks ago”. However, President Trump appears not to have taken any action against Mr Flynn and Vice President Mike Pence publicly denied the allegations on his behalf.

Former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates told the White House Mr Flynn had “put himself in a compromising position” by speaking to the Russian officials. However, she was fired by President Trump after speaking out against his so-called ‘Muslim travel ban’, citing ethics concerns.

Instead, Mr Flynn’s departure came after the Washington Post reported the allegations last week. Following the disclosure, he faced mounting pressure to go and announced his resignation.

President Trump’s handling of the issue risks fuelling further criticism that he is failing to appropriately handle internal White House crises. He has previously been criticised over the behaviour of Press Secretary Sean Spicer who has briefed journalists information which is demonstrably untrue.

In addition, senior adviser Kellyanne Conway is facing an investigation into possible ethics violations after she used a television interview to ask viewers to buy President Trump’s daughter Ivanka’s clothing line- an apparent breach of White House staff rules.