Trump’s Pick for National Security Adviser Brings Military Intelligence Experience, But Also Harsh Criticism
There’s really only a few ways to read Flynn’s statement regarding Russia Today and his appearance with Putin, all of which are disconcerting:
- He's immensely ignorant in not knowing that RT is a state mouthpiece for Russian Nationalism and that the outlet is only interested in stories that diminish US Power, stability, and influence.
- He is aware of what RT is, but is willing to nihilistically side with them because of his bitter feud against his fellow countrymen.
- He's paranoid and willing to work with RT because he believes too many wingnut conspiracy theories.
The most influential national security job in the still-forming Trump administration will likely go to a retired three-star general who helped dismantle insurgent networks in Afghanistan and Iraq but then surprised - and sometimes dismayed - colleagues by joining the political insurgency led by Donald Trump.
Flynn stunned former colleagues when he traveled to Moscow last year to appear alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin at a lavish gala for the Kremlin-run television channel RT, a trip Flynn admitted he was paid to make and defended by saying he saw no distinction between RT and U.S. news channels such as CNN.As national security adviser to Trump, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn would be responsible for helping a president with no national security experience navigate complicated global issues including the unfinished campaign against the Islamic State, the expansionist agenda of China and rising aggression from Russia. Flynn’s selection for the post was confirmed Thursday night by a person close to the Trump transition team who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations.
As a decorated military intelligence officer and former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Flynn has deep experience to draw upon as he serves as Trump’s principal point of contact with the State Department, the Pentagon and a collection of U.S. intelligence agencies that have surged in power and influence since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.