Trump's National Security Advisor Resigns

US National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigned late Monday after it was revealed that he spoke with the Russian ambassador to the US about American sanctions on Russia before President Trump took office, Reuters reports, as carried by Patria.

Flynn's resignation came hours after reports that the Department of Justice had warned the White House several weeks earlier that Flynn could be vulnerable to blackmail due to his contact with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak before Trump took office on January 20.

M. Flynn's departure is a sobering development in Trump's 24-day presidency, which has been marked by recurring internal dramas, Reuters states.

This resignation could slow the implementation of Trump's decision to improve relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Flynn resigned hours after Trump, through his spokesperson, declined to publicly support Flynn, stating that he was considering the situation.

Flynn initially stated that he had not discussed US sanctions with the Russians, but intercepted communications transcripts, as described by US officials, indicated that he had discussed the topic with the Russian ambassador.

Retired General Keith Kellogg, former chief of staff of the White House National Security Council, has been appointed acting National Security Advisor until President Trump decides on a permanent replacement.

Besides Kellogg, candidates for the position include General David Petraeus, former CIA Director, as well as Robert Harward, former Deputy Commander of the US Central Command.