Michael Flynn misled investigators about his Russian ties, according to a letter released Monday by the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.
Flynn allegedly lied about the income he received from Russian companies and his contact with Russian officials when applying to a top-secret security clearance in 2016. In February 2016, he told investigators he had not received any income from foreign companies. He also said he only had “insubstantial contact” with Russian officials.
But RT News, Russia’s television network, reportedly funded Flynn’s trip with $45,000 to attend a gala in Moscow and give a speech. Flynn was shown sitting beside President Vladimir Putin at the dinner in 2015.
Intentionally lying to federal investigators is a felony which could put Flynn in prison for up to five years.
Hours before the House Oversight letter written by Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) was made public, the Senate Intelligence Committee asked Flynn to turn over documents and records related to Russia as part of the investigation.
Flynn rejected the subpoena and chose to use the 5th amendment and invoke his right against self-incrimination. Flynn is also in legal trouble for failing to disclose lobbying for Turkey while advising President Donald Trump’s campaign last year. Failing to register as a foreign agent is a felony.
In the letter Cummings addresses to Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), he writes that White House documents must be obtained to know how much top officials knew about Flynn.
“In refusing our requests for a subpoena, you have made the same argument as President Trump—that you believe the White House bears no responsibility for vetting General Flynn for the position of National Security Advisor because he received his latest security clearance renewal under the Obama Administration in early 2016,” Cummings writes.