Trump says there was 'no collusion' with Russia, but he fired Flynn for lying, - latimes

Dogged by signs that prosecutors are zeroing in on his inner circle, President Trump insisted Saturday he wasn’t worried about what his former national security advisor, Michael T. Flynn, may tell investigators after agreeing to a plea deal Friday.

“What has been shown is no collusion, no collusion,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a series of fundraising events in New York City.

In a tweet, Trump said he “had to fire” Flynn because the retired Army lieutenant general lied to Vice President Mike Pence and the FBI about contacts with Russia’s then-ambassador in Washington, Sergey Kislyak.

Trump wrote it’s a “shame” Flynn lied because “his actions during the transition were lawful,” adding: “There was nothing to hide!”

Legal experts have speculated that Flynn may have pushed the limits of the Logan Act, which prohibits private citizens from interfering in U.S. foreign policy, when he allegedly made assurances to Kislyak during the transition before Trump took office.

Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III is investigating whether Trump’s campaign colluded or coordinated with Russia during the 2016 election.

“There’s been absolutely no collusion, so we’re very happy. And frankly last night was one of the big nights,” Trump said, referring to the narrow passage of the Republican tax bill out of the Senate. - Red More

Trump says there was 'no collusion' with Russia, but he fired Flynn for lying

See the charges against Michael Flynn