House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) reacted angrily to the Department of Justice dropping its criminal case against former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn Thursday, saying Attorney General William Barr’s “politicization of justice knows no bounds.”
“Barr’s politicization of justice knows no bounds. Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators in the face of overwhelming evidence – but now, Barr’s Justice Department is dropping the case to continue to cover up for the president,” Pelosi said in a statement. “Overruling the Special Counsel is without precedent and without respect for the rule of law.”
Earlier Thursday, the DOJ moved to dismiss its case against Flynn, who pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI regarding his contacts with Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak during President Donald Trump’s transition. The retired Army lieutenant general pleaded guilty in 2017 as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into now-debunked collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign.
The Justice Department in January switched its sentencing recommendation for Flynn from probation to six months in jail, prompting the former Trump official to withdraw his guilty plea, citing prosecutors breaking their plea agreement.
Thursday’s development comes after handwritten notes that were written by FBI officials questioned whether the “goal” was “to get him to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired” — a reference to agents’ interview with Flynn.
DHS says ICE agents will not be at polling places during midterms
Trump admin says VA benefits claims backlog below 100K for first time in 6 years: ‘Record levels of service’
Trump administration blocks Venezuela from paying Maduro’s legal bills amid federal charges
Murder suspect in Baltimore robbery spree was on probation, records show
Authorities preparing to return home of Nancy Guthrie back to family: report
Toddler flees in terror as coyote chases him outside California family home in broad daylight
Ex-Air Force pilot arrested for allegedly training Chinese military pilots without authorization
Some of the most notable guests at Trump’s 2026 State of the Union: photos
Senators Sanders and Mullin clash in heated Senate hearing exchange: ‘You’re part of the problem’
Trump’s fraud czar nominee touts Minnesota blueprint to root out Obamacare fraud, senior scams
Trump’s ‘war on fraud’ draws range of reactions during SOTU speech
Former top Harris adviser ignites backlash over ‘political props’ comment targeting USA men’s hockey team
The Laundering of Iran’s Atrocities: How Western Voices Became a Shield for the Islamic Republic’s Mass Killings
Capitol Tea: Jim Justice, of Babydog fame, offers to take over Tillis dog parade
Karoline Leavitt Drops List of Policies Dems Wouldn’t Stand For, Including Voter ID and Fewer Murders
Prior to the filing being made public, prosecutor Brandon Van Grack, moved to withdraw from the case.
A couple of months ago, President Trump said he was “strongly considering” pardoning Flynn, suggesting that the FBI and Justice Department lost records related to the case.
Speaking to reporters Thursday in the Oval Office, the president described Flynn as “an innocent man,” “a great gentleman.”
“He was targeted by the Obama administration and he was targeted in order to try and take down a president,” Trump said.
“And I hope a lot of people are going to pay a big price because they’re dishonest, crooked people. They’re scum and I say it a lot, they’re scum, they’re human scum. This should never have happened in this country.”
Trump also criticized the media coverage of Flynn’s case and the Russia investigation, calling on journalists to give back their Pulitzer Prizes.
Story cited here.
