Pelosi Calls Trump’s Flynn Pardon ‘A Brazen Abuse Of Power’
House Speaker says President's move is 'grave corruption'
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blasted President Donald Trump’s pardon of his former national security advisor Michael Flynn, calling it “an act of grave corruption and a brazen abuse of power.”
On Wednesday, Trump pardoned Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as many Democrats reacted angrily to the news.
“It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon,” Trump tweeted.
"Congratulations to @GenFlynn and his wonderful family, I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving!"
It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon. Congratulations to @GenFlynn and his wonderful family, I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 25, 2020
The move ended Flynn’s legal battles after he pleaded guilty as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe.
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Pelosi argued the decision was wholly unjustified.
“President Trump’s pardoning of Michael Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his dealings with a foreign adversary, is an act of grave corruption and a brazen abuse of power,” she said.
“Trump is again using the pardon power to protect those who lie to cover up his wrongdoing, just as he did when he commuted the sentence of campaign advisor Roger Stone, who was convicted on seven felony counts.”
The House Speaker argued the former National Security advisor's “actions constituted a serious and dangerous breach of our national security."
She added:
“He must be held accountable.”
“Sadly, this pardon is further proof that Trump plans to use his final days in office to undermine the rule of law in the wake of his failed presidency,” Pelosi continued.
“In the new Congress, it is imperative that we pass House and Senate Democrats’ Protecting Our Democracy Act, which prevents any president from abusing the pardon power.”
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The Flynn family released a staement following the pardon:
“Today, the Flynn family is grateful to President Donald J. Trump for answering our prayers and the prayers of a nation by removing the heavy burden of injustice off the shoulders of our brother, Michael, with a full pardon of innocence.”
“We thank President Trump for recognizing our brother’s sacrifice in this battle for truth, our Constitution, our republic, and all that America stands for around the world — a true beacon of liberty.”
On Thursday morning, Flynn tweeted his thanks to President Trump in a short message that included a bible verse.
"This ‘Pardon of Innocence’ is historic, sincerely appreciated & should never happen in our country again,” said Flynn.
This “Pardon of Innocence” is historic, sincerely appreciated & should never happen in our country again. I will issue a personal statement later today. My family issued one yesterday.
— General Flynn (@GenFlynn) November 26, 2020
Thank you America 🇺🇸
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 😀🇺🇸
1 Chronicles 16:32–34 💪🙏 pic.twitter.com/6TIN2eh3JE
