Trump Grants Full Pardon to Michael Flynn for False Statements in Russia Scandal

Trump Grants Sudden Pardons to Close Aides Ahead of Thanksgiving
Exercises Pardon Power After DOJ Rejects Dismissal of Charges

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a sudden pardon to an aide on trial for making false statements related to the 'Russia scandal.' The Department of Justice attempted to prevent Flynn's punishment by dropping the charges, but when faced with opposition from the court, Trump took on the political burden and pulled out the pardon card.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 25th (local time), President Trump tweeted, "I am honored to announce that General Flynn has received a full pardon," adding, "Congratulations to Flynn and his family. I know they will have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving."

Flynn, a retired Army Lieutenant General, served as the first National Security Advisor under the Trump administration. He was a key witness during the 2016 presidential election amid allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. election, known as the 'Russia scandal.' During an FBI investigation in January 2017, Flynn stated that he had no contact with Russian officials, but this was later confirmed to be false. Flynn admitted to perjury at the time and faced trial, but since last year, he reversed his stance, claiming that FBI investigators conducted the inquiry unfairly.

Subsequently, the Department of Justice submitted a motion to dismiss the charges against Flynn, citing issues in the prosecution process. U.S. media interpreted this as the DOJ trying to avoid the political burden of Trump pardoning an aide. However, the court did not accept this, and the trial proceeded.

Trump's sudden pardon of Flynn is also seen as an indication that his term is nearing its end. Although Trump has claimed victory in this year's election, his recent instructions to cooperate with the transition of power and moves such as pardoning aides suggest he intends to settle these matters before leaving office.

Trump's discretionary use of the pardon power has been controversial each time. In July of this year, Trump was criticized for effectively exercising his pardon power by commuting the sentence of Roger Stone, a longtime associate of 40 years. Roger Stone was also punished for making false statements related to the Russia scandal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.