Remember Michael Flynn, the former Trump national security adviser who resigned last month for misleading White House officials about his conversations with Russia? Well, he’s back in the news after saying he would testify about the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia—if he could get immunity from prosecution. The Senate Intelligence Committee rejected that offer for now on Friday, according to The New York Times.
A senior congressional official told Flynn’s lawyer that his request for immunity was “widely preliminary” and “not on the table” at this point, according to CNBC.
The Times reports the congressional official also said investigators wouldn’t make a deal with Flynn until they get further into the investigation.
Flynn also offered to speak to the Justice Department in exchange for immunity. While it seems like asking for immunity would mean you think you’re guilty of something, Flynn’s lawyer, Robert Kelner, says that’s not the case.
“No reasonable person, who has the benefit of advice from counsel, would submit to questioning in such a highly politicized, witch-hunt environment without assurances against unfair prosecution,” Kelner said in a written statement, according to USA Today.
Trump has already voiced his support for his former adviser’s request for immunity via his favorite method of communication.
Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 31, 2017