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Michael Flynn stepped down in February after revelations that he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with the Russian government. (Photo: Gage Skidmore/flickr/cc)

Flynn to Plead Fifth, Refuse Compliance With Senate Subpoenas

News prompted comparisons of former national security adviser's own comments mocking those who take protection against self-incrimination

Nadia Prupis

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn on Monday will plead the Fifth Amendment and refuse to hand over documents subpoenaed by the Senate Intelligence Committee, according to news reports.

Flynn will not give the panel documents detailing his interactions with Russian officials as part of the ongoing investigation into possible collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. The former national security adviser stepped down in February after revelations that he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with the Russian government.

Monday's news prompted scornful comparisons to Flynn's and other Trump administration officials' own previous remarks mocking those who took the Fifth Amendment.

The Senate committee reportedly sought documents involving contacts between any Trump campaign associates and Russian officials and businesses—including text messages, emails, letters, phone records, and financial information.

Legal experts anticipated that Flynn was unlikely to hand over any records without immunity, having previously described the investigation as "unfair prosecution."

Last week, Senate Intelligence Committee chair Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) said Flynn was "not cooperating" with the probe and had not given a "definitive answer" on whether he would testify. Both the House and Senate panels investigating the allegations turned down Flynn's offer to testify in exchange for immunity.

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