Donald Trump says former aide Mike Flynn 'should ask for immunity' in Russia investigation
President weighs in after prominent ethics lawyer urges investigators to take up deal
![Michael Flynn resigned after revelations he had discussed US sanctions on Russia with the Russian ambassador to the US before Mr Trump took office](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2017/02/14/10/donald-trump.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Donald Trump has said former adviser Michael Flynn should "ask for immunity" in the investigation into the President's links to Russia.
Mr Flynn is reportedly seeking immunity from prosecution in exchange for agreeing to testify about alleged links between the Kremlin and Mr Trump's Presidential campaign. The ex-US Army general resigned after less than a month as national security adviser over undisclosed contact with a Russian diplomat.
His lawyer Robert Kelner released a statement on Thursday evening saying Mr Flynn "certainly has a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it, should the circumstances permit".
George W Bush's former chief ethics lawyer, Richard Painter, urged investigators take up Mr Flynn's reported offer "if he tells all of the truth about Russia/Trump".
Norm Eisen, who performed the same role for Barack Obama between 2011 and 2014, said: “Have been predicting 4days that Flynn will roll over on others. Who/what will he trade for immunity? Trump hisself?”
Now the President himself has weighed in on Twitter. He said: "Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!"
Mr Kelner had used Thursday's statement to hit out at "unfounded allegations, outrageous claims of treason and vicious innuendo" levelled at his client. It amounted to a "witch-hunt environment", he said.
Mr Trump has employed the same label to describe the furore over alleged Russian involvement in 2016's Presidential election as well as suggestions of links between his team and Moscow.
In January he called it a "political witch hunt" and said the same when pressure was heaped on his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, over revelations he spoke to Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak but did not disclose it during his Senate confirmation hearing.
Footage resurfaced on Friday morning of Mr Flynn saying that asking for immunity means "you've probably committed a crime". He made the claim while discussing Hillary Clinton's email controversy on NBC News in 2016.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments