Flynn

After refusing subpoenas and threatening to take the Fifth, Michael Flynn finds himself in deepening trouble. The AP says that documentary evidence proves that Flynn lied about Russia to "federal security clearance investigators." (Would that be the Defense Investigative Serivce?) CNN and Elijah Cumming offer evidence that Flynn lied about the sponsors of his trip to Russia.

According to the Report of Investigation, which Cummings refers to in his letter to committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, Flynn made false statements to investigators about who funded his foreign trips, including a 2015 trip to Russia where Flynn was paid roughly $45,000 to speak at an event in Moscow. According to the letter released Monday by Democrats on the committee, Flynn claimed that his trips were funded by "US companies."

Meanwhile, Flynn's refusal to turn over subpoenaed documents may result in contempt charges.

Chris Christie is saying that he had warned Trump against Flynn. A couple of days ago, CNN reported that American spies (presumably NSA) intercepted a conversation in which certain unnamed Russians bragged about their control of Flynn.

Sources say Flynn also told Kislyak that the incoming Trump administration would revisit US sanctions on Russia once in office. The US has applied sanctions on Russia since 2014 for its actions in Ukraine.

As ever, Louise Mensch goes further than anyone else: She claims that Flynn has decided to turn on Trump and cooperate with the FBI. This report seems semi-believable at first glance, if only because most normal people would make the same decision. However, Mensch's claim doesn't square with Flynn's refusal to cooperate with those subpoenas. If he really has turned (as Mensch avers) then why would he risk a contempt charge? Why play ball with the Bureau while sneering at Congress? It don't add up.

This is one Louise Mensch story which should be proven false or true within a day or so.