Critics worry after Trump security chief fuels conspiracies

[webfact]

Critics worry after Trump security chief fuels conspiracies

By STEVE PEOPLES

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — On issues of national security and intelligence, no one is likely to have more influence in Donald Trump's White House than retired Gen. Michael T. Flynn.

 

Yet Flynn, Trump's incoming national security adviser, has gained prominence in Republican politics by fueling conspiracy theories and Islamophobic rhetoric that critics warn could create serious distractions — or alienate allies and embolden enemies — if it continues.

 

"His job is to ensure that the White House is focused at all times on all of the threats that the United States faces abroad," said Julianne Smith, a former deputy national security adviser to Vice President Joe Biden. She said she was "deeply troubled" by a Flynn tendency to promote fake news stories on his Twitter feed.

 

"You don't want to have a distracted national security adviser," said Smith, who now directs the strategy and statecraft program at the Center for a New American Security.

 

She was among several national security experts who raised concerns Tuesday about Flynn's willingness to share bad intelligence on a social media feed as he prepares to move to the West Wing.

 

Flynn served until 2014 as the head of U.S. military intelligence. Although he left that job over disputes with the Obama administration over policy and his management of the Defense Intelligence Agency, he is widely regarded as a top intelligence officer, a job that requires an understanding of the power of disinformation.

 

The issue of sharing fake news was highlighted when Flynn's son, Michael G. Flynn, tweeted about the false idea that prompted a shooting at a Washington, D.C., pizza parlor. He had been promoting a conspiracy theory that Hillary Clinton's allies had been operating a secret pedophilia ring in the restaurant and noted it would remain a story until "proven to be false."

 

Vice President-elect Mike Pence acknowledged Tuesday that the younger Flynn was helping his father with scheduling and administrative items during the presidential transition but told CNN "that's no longer the case."

 

Asked repeatedly whether a security clearance was requested, Pence refused to answer directly. "Whatever the appropriate paperwork was to assist him in that regard, Jake, I'm sure was taking place," he said.

 

Trump's team did not clarify whether Michael Flynn Jr.'s departure from Trump's transition team was related to the tweets.

 

Less than a week before the election, the elder Flynn tweeted a link to a story that falsely claimed Clinton emails contained proof of money laundering and sex crimes with children, among other illegal activities. The incoming national security adviser called the baseless story a "must read" and instructed his followers: "U decide."

 

Flynn also promoted conspiracy theorists, some of them white supremacists, throughout the campaign even as he emerged as Trump's highest profile national security adviser.

 

He encouraged his followers to read a book by Mike Cernovich, whose website has suggested Clinton's campaign chairman was part of a "sex cult with connections to human trafficking." Flynn also tagged white nationalist Jared Wyand, whose website is popular with "alt-right" followers.

 

Flynn's appointment is not subject to Senate confirmation.

 

Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, said Tuesday that Flynn's willingness to promote fake news "raises profound questions about his suitability for this important position."

 

Trump's team did not respond to questions about Flynn's social media activity. Pence praised Flynn more broadly on Tuesday, even as he distanced the incoming administration from Flynn's son.

 

"We are so grateful and honored to have Gen. Flynn as our nominee for national security adviser. He brings an extraordinary wealth of experience," Pence said.

 

The role of national security adviser has varied by administration, but usually centers on coordinating the policy positions of the secretaries of state and defense, the attorney general and other members of a president's team.

 

It is an especially important position because of the national security adviser's access to the president in the West Wing of the White House. Flynn's office will be steps away from the Oval Office, proximity that allows him to act as a gatekeeper on a wide range of issues, including matters of war and peace as well as diplomacy and intelligence.

 

He is expected to have more direct access to the president than national security officials in the Cabinet. Aside from attending Trump's daily intelligence briefings and senior staff meetings, Flynn will also oversee the National Security Council, a White House department that has grown to about 400 people involved in making policy recommendations.

 

Flynn, who turns 58 in December, served for more than three decades in the Army.

 

"If the national security adviser is going to be the direct conduit between the president and the national security world, of course it's a concern that that adviser is being taken in by conspiracy theories and fake news," said Tom Nichols, a professor at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where Flynn obtained a master's in national security and strategic studies in 2001.

 

Whoever has the president's ear on international affairs, Nichols said, should have "a firm grip on what's true and what's false."

___

AP writers Julie Pace and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Matt O'Brien in Providence, Rhode Island contributed to this report.

 

-- © Associated Press 2016-12-07

[Cats4ever]

Various reports on this bloke frighten the tripe out of me. How did he get to be a general; aren't you supposed to have some trams & trains to rise that high? Now in Crazyland, he will be advising an egotistical nut job on the subtleties of international relations.

[elgordo38]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

She said she was "deeply troubled" by a Flynn tendency to promote fake news stories on his Twitter feed.

Hmm I wonder who else is famous for that??

[Jingthing]

Yes, he's incredibly bad.

Apparently trump can't handle the truth. 

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/12/06/donald-trumps-most-terrifying-appointment/?utm_term=.995fe95a8eb2

[BlindMagician]

Going down the plug hole.

[BuaBS]

Good choice . Finally some-one capable as national security adviser.

[dunroaming]

I guess it is Trump doing what Trump does.  I think for 2017 all bets are off when it comes to the USA.

[Silurian]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Vice President-elect Mike Pence acknowledged Tuesday that the younger Flynn was helping his father with scheduling and administrative items during the presidential transition but told CNN "that's no longer the case."

 

Asked repeatedly whether a security clearance was requested, Pence refused to answer directly. "Whatever the appropriate paperwork was to assist him in that regard, Jake, I'm sure was taking place," he said.

 

I watched Pence squirm and wiggle his way out of this one. Flynn's son obtained security clearance which Pence himself had to sign on. Pence refused to acknowledge it was security paperwork just some "appropriate" paperwork. This means one of two things. One, Pence knew that he was signing security clearance paperwork for Flynn's son or two, Pence just signs whatever is placed in front of him without reading or caring about it. Either way, very sloppy and irresponsible of Pence. I expect Pence to be the professional one in the administration, this brings up major doubts regarding his capabilities.

 

Edited December 7, 2016 by Silurian

[Opl]

5 hours ago, Cats4ever said:

Various reports on this bloke frighten the tripe out of me. How did he get to be a general; aren't you supposed to have some trams & trains to rise that high? Now in Crazyland, he will be advising an egotistical nut job on the subtleties of international relations.

 

yes...in Crazyland ...  it's like swaying on the high  wire way up in the air without a net and bottom.. this will amaze the audience of Trump supporters..

 

 

Edited December 7, 2016 by Opl

[Morch]

55 minutes ago, Silurian said:

 

I watched Pence squirm and wiggle his way out of this one. Flynn's son obtained security clearance which Pence himself had to sign on. Pence refused to acknowledge it was security paperwork just some "appropriate" paperwork. This means one of two things. One, Pence knew that he was signing security clearance paperwork for Flynn's son or two, Pence just signs whatever is placed in front of him without reading or caring about it. Either way, very sloppy and irresponsible of Pence. I expect Pence to be the professional one in the administration, this brings up major doubts regarding his capabilities.

 

 

Pence said Michael Flynn Jr. ‘has no involvement in the transition.’ But he did.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/12/06/pence-says-michael-flynn-jr-has-no-involvement-in-the-transition-the-evidence-suggests-otherwise/

[Morch]

That's one argument for supporting Trump picking of Mattis for Secretary of Defense. National Security Advisor is supposedly closer to the president's ear, but still...

[ilostmypassword]

Here is a genuine tweet from General Mike Flynn:

U decide - NYPD Blows Whistle on New Hillary Emails: Money Laundering, Sex Crimes w Children, etc...MUST READ! http://truepundit.com/breaking-bombshell-nypd-blows-whistle-on-new-hillary-emails-money-laundering-sex-crimes-with-children-child-exploitation-pay-to-play-perjury/ …

http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/michael-flynn-conspiracy-pizzeria-trump-232227

[NickJ]

What a loud whistle....

Does it come with its own Congressional Investigative Committee. you know to find the real fires and crimes?

Facts. when they are indeed uncovered. Big ol Orange Pantsuits.Maybe a matching pair?

Edited December 7, 2016 by NickJ
None

[Jonmarleesco]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

'... Gen. Flynn ... brings an extraordinary wealth of experience," Pence said.'

Extraordinary would seem to be the operative word.

[elgordo38]

22 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Yes, he's incredibly bad.

Apparently trump can't handle the truth. 

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/12/06/donald-trumps-most-terrifying-appointment/?utm_term=.995fe95a8eb2

As old granny used to say "birds of a feather flock together" 2017 should be a Lollapalooza of a year and guess what folks with a little luck from above we will be here watching. Thats the good part. 

Edited December 8, 2016 by elgordo38