2 Apr 2017 10:43 pm
Michael Flynn Failed to Disclose Payments From Russian Propaganda Network
Former National Security Advisor Mike Flynn initially failed to inform federal ethics officials of payments from a state-sponsored Russian propaganda outfit, according to newly released documents.
Flynn, who left his White House post after less than a month, submitted a financial disclosure form in February that made no mention of a reported $45,000 payment from Russia Today, or RT, for a speech that Flynn gave at the network’s 10th anniversary gala.
In an amended disclosure statement filed with the White House counsel’s office on Friday, Flynn disclosed receiving more than $5,000 (the threshold for reporting) from RT.
RT is a key component of Russia’s foreign propaganda apparatus.
It advances the Kremlin position on international affairs through affiliate broadcasters in the United States and Europe.
In addition to RT, Flynn’s amended disclosure statement reveals payments for speeches to two additional Russian companies, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky and Volga Dnepr Airlines.
Neither of those payments was disclosed in Flynn’s initial ethics filing.
