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Former Obama officials, loyalists waged secret campaign to oust Flynn to preserve Iran deal

Feb 14, 2017 8:11 pm By Robert Spencer

The swamp, in so dire need of draining, has struck back and scored a victory.

“Former Obama Officials, Loyalists Waged Secret Campaign to Oust Flynn,” by Adam Kredo, Washington Free Beacon, February 14, 2017:

The abrupt resignation Monday evening of White House national security adviser Michael Flynn is the culmination of a secret, months-long campaign by former Obama administration confidantes to handicap President Donald Trump’s national security apparatus and preserve the nuclear deal with Iran, according to multiple sources in and out of the White House who described to the Washington Free Beacon a behind-the-scenes effort by these officials to plant a series of damaging stories about Flynn in the national media.

The effort, said to include former Obama administration adviser Ben Rhodes—the architect of a separate White House effort to create what he described as a pro-Iran echo chamber—included a small task force of Obama loyalists who deluged media outlets with stories aimed at eroding Flynn’s credibility, multiple sources revealed.

The operation primarily focused on discrediting Flynn, an opponent of the Iran nuclear deal, in order to handicap the Trump administration’s efforts to disclose secret details of the nuclear deal with Iran that had been long hidden by the Obama administration.

Insiders familiar with the anti-Flynn campaign told the Free Beacon that these Obama loyalists plotted in the months before Trump’s inauguration to establish a set of roadblocks before Trump’s national security team, which includes several prominent opponents of diplomacy with Iran. The Free Beacon first reported on this effort in January.

Sources who spoke to the Free Beacon requested anonymity in order to speak freely about the situation and avoid interfering with the White House’s official narrative about Flynn, which centers on his failure to adequately inform the president about a series of phone calls with Russian officials.

Flynn took credit for his missteps regarding these phone calls in a brief statement released late Monday evening. Trump administration officials subsequently stated that Flynn’s efforts to mislead the president and vice president about his contacts with Russia could not be tolerated.

However, multiple sources closely involved in the situation pointed to a larger, more secretive campaign aimed at discrediting Flynn and undermining the Trump White House.

“It’s undeniable that the campaign to discredit Flynn was well underway before Inauguration Day, with a very troublesome and politicized series of leaks designed to undermine him,” said one veteran national security adviser with close ties to the White House team. “This pattern reminds me of the lead up to the Iran deal, and probably features the same cast of characters.”

The Free Beacon first reported in January that, until its final days in office, the Obama administration hosted several pro-Iran voices who were critical in helping to mislead the American public about the terms of the nuclear agreement. This included a former Iranian government official and the head of the National Iranian American Council, or NIAC, which has been accused of serving as Iran’s mouthpiece in Washington, D.C.

Since then, top members of the Obama administration’s national security team have launched a communications infrastructure after they left the White House, and have told reporters they are using that infrastructure to undermine Trump’s foreign policy.

“It’s actually Ben Rhodes, NIAC, and the Iranian mullahs who are celebrating today,” said one veteran foreign policy insider who is close to Flynn and the White House. “They know that the number one target is Iran … [and] they all knew their little sacred agreement with Iran was going to go off the books. So they got rid of Flynn before any of the [secret] agreements even surfaced.”

Flynn had been preparing to publicize many of the details about the nuclear deal that had been intentionally hidden by the Obama administration as part of its effort to garner support for the deal, these sources said.

Flynn is now “gone before anybody can see what happened” with these secret agreements, said the second insider close to Flynn and the White House….

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Filed Under: Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Featured, Iran Tagged With: Michael Flynn


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Comments

  1. oldblindjohn says

    Feb 14, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    Sure, ok.
    You guys were much more on target before you got so paranoid about trump

    • Don McKellar says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 1:39 am

      just remember one thing: only a top official of the obama regime could have done this:

      http://insider.foxnews.com/2017/02/14/surveillance-flynns-phone-calls-required-approval-highest-levels

      you think about that one mr. paranoid.

      although flynn really did screw up and should have resigned. obviously.

    • Rob Porter says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 8:05 am

      oldblindjohn, What kind of trash, meaningless blog is this? Try expressing yourself more clearly.

  2. Jeffery Hankins KT says

    Feb 14, 2017 at 8:37 pm

    This is damned well disgraceful, those secrets, that were hidden from the American People, in my opinion borders towards treason. This shadow government set up by the Obama administration and his, Obama’s, loyalists to undermine President Trump is not only undermining the President, it’s undermining the United States of America, and Our National Security. These traitorous scoundrels must be ferried out and brought to justice quickly. These acts of sedation cannot be tolerated!

    Sincerely,
    Jeffery Hankins KT

    • euwei says

      Feb 14, 2017 at 9:31 pm

      Sedition and Treason by THE DEEP STATE

      • Carmel says

        Feb 15, 2017 at 9:48 am

        Exactly . For me , it is not a case for resignation . I don’t understand why Trump accepted it .

    • Anthony says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 5:03 am

      Why are you so willing to kiss Russia’s Ass?

      • vladkoval says

        Feb 16, 2017 at 3:01 am

        “Why are you so willing to kiss Russia’s Ass?”
        Because he has vague understanding of what Russia and Putinism really are.
        In Russia the blogs like JW are banned, blocked and the authors imprisoned for “extremism”.

  3. Christianblood says

    Feb 14, 2017 at 8:42 pm

    The process of “regime change” is well underway in the USA. The globalist establishment elites will not rest until they overthrow Donald Trump.

    • Allan says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 5:40 am

      Flynn behaved stupidly when he spoke to the Russians in December.

      • Bezelel says

        Feb 15, 2017 at 7:39 am

        Allan, So you’re saying you could do better? I don’t think so. And now that the leak is exposed the payback will be awesome.

      • Christianblood says

        Feb 15, 2017 at 8:37 am

        Allan posted

        (..Flynn behaved stupidly when he spoke to the Russians in December..)

        Flynn should have been more discreet in his talk with the Russian ambassador but there is a deeper witch-hunt against Trump and his administration. The pro-islamic, pro-jihadist, Russophobic globalist establishment elites in the US want nothing less of overthrowing President Trump and every thing else is a side show to that reality.

        http://theduran.com/this-is-the-real-reason-why-general-michael-flynn-was-forced-out-as-described-by-michael-savage/

        • Angemon says

          Feb 15, 2017 at 2:14 pm

          “Flynn should have been more discreet in his talk with the Russian ambassador but there is a deeper witch-hunt against Trump and his administration. ”

          So, basically, you’re admitting that Flynn acted wrong but that going after him for acting wrong is a “witch hunt”. You either have your cake or eat it – you can’t have both.

        • Angemon says

          Feb 15, 2017 at 2:17 pm

          P.S.:

          “The pro-islamic, pro-jihadist, Russophobic globalist establishment elites in the US”

          Are those the same allegedly “Russophobic” shadowy people that allowed Barak Obama to sell out American allies to Russia to appease Putin and ensure his reelection would go smoothly?

          http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2012/03/26/obama-to-putin-ill-surrender-after-reelection/

          Where’s this alleged “Russophobia”? “Russophilia” would have been a better way to describe them…

  4. Lesley says

    Feb 14, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    I don’t understand what could have been so bad that he resigned, considering the email and server scandal that Hilary Clinton smiled her way through.

    These are curious times, indeed…

    • Angemon says

      Feb 16, 2017 at 3:56 pm

      From what I can gather from the info out so far, it’s because he didn’t fully brief the VP on what he talked about with Russian diplomats. He was asked if the matter of sanctions was brought up and replied “No”, then “Maybe” and then “Yes”.

  5. billybob says

    Feb 14, 2017 at 9:40 pm

    That whole thing sounds bit over the top, unless we are to believe there was both a plot to undo Flynn, and that he undid himself. The guy did resign without a fight, and it seems, nobody fought at his side in the Administration either, including Trump. This points to a high probability that he was indeed untrustworthy. That would mean that this “plot” against him was unnecessary, or perhaps even a good thing.

    Now don’t get me wrong. I was well aware of Flynn’s strong anti-Islam stance and even watched videos of him speaking on the topic before he joined the administration team. I was all in favour of him because of that. But if it turned out the guy was unreliable, then it is good that he left. I do find find this supposed “plot” against him a bit of hyperbole. Undoubtedly there would have been many Obama supporters who would have wished him ill, as they would wish anyone on the Administration ill up to and including Trump. That is just politics, and to be expected.

    • vlparker says

      Feb 14, 2017 at 10:02 pm

      I don’t know what is going on, but Spicer said Trump asked for his resignation. Why? Trump has spent the last 18 months defending his people against the leftist political traitors, against the RINO traitors and against the leftist media. It would be out of character for Trump to ask him to resign because of pressure from political enemies. Trump always doubles down. The bottom line is Trump got rid of him, not the left. Again, I ask, why? Trump could have told the critics of Flynn to go to hell. He didn’t. The White House line is Trump lost confidence in him and in light of Trumps loyalty to those beneath him I see no reason to doubt it.

      And just because Flynn is gone that doesn’t mean anything he uncovered about Obama’s treasonous Iran deal is gone with him. He can still make it public, or he can give it to someone else in the administration and they can make it public.

      The big problem, however, are the treasonous bureaucracies. There needs to be a program put in place to root out these traitors, and there needs to be arrests and prosecutions with long prison sentences. Maybe, even some executions, depending on the circumstances. Iran is a mortal enemy of the US and is on record as publicly stating their desire for the annihilation of the US. Anyone aiding Iran is guilty of treason against the US.

      • Les says

        Feb 15, 2017 at 4:37 am

        Exactly!

      • Shmooviyet says

        Feb 15, 2017 at 5:07 am

        Agreed.. particularly with your position on punishing the “treasonous bereaucracies”.
        Unfortunately the head/s of this admin won’t be facing ANY prosecution for their loyalty to iran over America.

  6. somehistory says

    Feb 14, 2017 at 10:07 pm

    He was telling the truth and darkness, evil, satan the devil and his children cannot handle the truth.

    Evil will meet its demise, no matter how much it tries to avoid the pit of destruction.

  7. Matthieu Baudin says

    Feb 14, 2017 at 10:26 pm

    Flynn’s was a fresh voice and his exit without a fight may indicate that he’s selfless enough to self sacrifice for the greater good, so that the political juggernaut does not lose steam.

  8. Baucent says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 2:37 am

    “Flynn had been preparing to publicize many of the details about the nuclear deal that had been intentionally hidden by the Obama administration”

    Flynn’s departure will not prevent those details about the Iran deal emerging as other people in Trump’s team will know about them. But the bigger story is that someone in the intelligence community is exposing the interception capability of the NSA and others, and that in all likelihood the Russian ambassador’s phone was tapped. That leak damages the US and it’s existing operations, the leaker should be hunted down, fired from whatever government job they have and probably charged.

  9. Ver Auger says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 4:06 am

    Flynn, we hardly knew ye. This does not make sense to me. As I understand it, Obama slapped last-minute lame duck sanctions on Russia for allegedly hacking the DNC server, which probably had an Administrator password of “Admin”. Sanctions are a hostile action which can lead to war, and a war with Russia would definitely damage the anti-isis coalition. So Flynn assured the Russians that Trump would lift the sanctions ASAP unless they did something bad, like hacking the RNC server. Politics as usual, but this time to benefit the good guys. So, if Flynn did nothing wrong, maybe Trump firing him is a head fake. Flynn comes back next month to an advisory position not requiring confirmation. Like an anti-terror expert who shows up at your department in desert camo for a surprise anti-terror drill.

    • Anthony says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 5:01 am

      Why are you making excuses for Russian spying on the USA?
      Jesus H man

  10. Debi Brand says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 4:25 am

    “The swamp, in so dire need of draining, has struck back and scored a victory.”

    They dang sure did.

    What’s more, the sound of that “victory” we hear in the fading thumping of “Flynn” now ‘neath the Train; so too, in the sound of the “Believer” praising “Allah” for removing Flynn from his Trump Administration post.

    • Shmooviyet says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 5:14 am

      Agreed– Reza Azlan tweeting, “one down”…

      • Debi Brand says

        Feb 16, 2017 at 3:15 am

        “one down”…

        Yup.

        Indeed. No doubt about it.

  11. Anthony says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 4:59 am

    It’s one thing to call Islam on its dangerous core beliefs, but quite another to try and excuse the actions of Bannon, Flynn and Trump in holding discussions on removing sanctions with Russia before they were even sworn into office. Really stupid move guys!
    Man-up and trying to blame others for your own malfeasance and incompetence.
    You are in power now and it is ALL your responsibility. Grow some huevos gentlemen.
    Donald; How much do you owe to Putin and other Russian Oligarchs?
    How much do you owe to Chinese banks? Chinese Oligarchs?
    The noose awaits traitors who undermine the U.S.A. to favor Russia.

    • underbed cat says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      I love the Chinese banks reference. Who was in power the last eight years.. What state in the U.S has tollways that has ownership of the the Chinese. or is it leased…at toll booths. Is that a good decision? I attended the Chinese Expo in Chicago, extemely interesing, I purchased my first down coat..I guess I am saying business and concern over national security seems a good idea unless you sell secrets, patents, and why do the Chinese own the U.S…..does that compare to giving Russia signal we have a concern about sanctions that Obama gave to Russia when they wanted to solve their terrorist muslim problem also…and maybe work at some cooperative understanding? I guess it was a letter to the major U.S.newspaper from Putin about solving terrorism…may he should have waited a few more years.? But now he is supporting Iran…it is a complicated world….

      • underbed cat says

        Feb 15, 2017 at 3:28 pm

        Expo was in the seventies…movies of smiling Chinese children that impressed me the most at the time.

  12. Anthony says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 5:04 am

    Flynn mislead his own Vice President!
    Is that acceptable behavior, or is Pence in on this too?

  13. Allan Mandrowski says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 5:45 am

    What Flynn / the WH should have said regarding the alleged Russian sanctions talks is that it is in the interest of US foreign policy to discuss the eventual cancellation of those sanctions.

    Aren’t we allowed to discuss a new direction? I find it strange that it is somehow an issue that Flynn talked about – possibly – stopping the sanctions.

    • Allan says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 5:56 am

      Perhaps the sanctions were meant to serve two purposes:. (1) To complement the Democrats’ diversionary screaming that the Russians interfered with the elections; and (2) To be a trap for the Stupid Party.

  14. Jan Sobieski says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 6:00 am

    General Flynn is a good man.

  15. berserker says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 6:59 am

    May I ask why the Saudis/ Wahabbis are not considered a problem? Why are they considered our friends?

    • Screeminmeeme says

      Feb 15, 2017 at 8:48 am

      Collusion.
      $$$$$$$$$$.

      The Saudis have given millions to their buddies Bush (41 &43), Carter and Clinton for their ‘libraries/foundations’. Its a guarantee that the jihadist Obama is also on their payroll.

  16. common sense says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    KT McFarland is tough on Islam and understands much like Flynn what we face and what to do I hope she remains on the team.
    Roy Buchanan had a great quote while serving with Nixon in DC in dealing with the ‘new society’ bs- “we felt like dust on a coffee table”. That dust needs to turn into vitamin enrichment once the swamp is drained.

  17. k v sebastian says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    I hope President Trump may recall him to his administration very soon.

  18. melancholy observer says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    The fall of a Flynn, an absolute tragedy. I feel that the President was caught between a rock and a hard place, between the self-respect of Pence and the silly evasiveness of Flynn. Flynn’s going however is a tragedy what more can be said!

  19. Angemon says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    However, multiple sources closely involved in the situation pointed to a larger, more secretive campaign aimed at discrediting Flynn and undermining the Trump White House.

    “It’s undeniable that the campaign to discredit Flynn was well underway before Inauguration Day, with a very troublesome and politicized series of leaks designed to undermine him,” said one veteran national security adviser with close ties to the White House team. “This pattern reminds me of the lead up to the Iran deal, and probably features the same cast of characters.”

    Truth as this may be, Flynn was the one that screwed up. He admitted as much. He has no one to blame for this situation but himself. And it’s not as if he didn’t knew that any and everything taking place within the Trump administration would be placed under the microscope and scanned for anything that could be used as leverage against them.

  20. vladkoval says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    Trump twitted: “Crimea was TAKEN by Russia during the Obama Administration. Was Obama too soft on Russia?”

    Finally, Trump’s eyes are opened!
    The days of Putinism are counted.
    I believe wide economical embargo on Russia is coming soon.

    • Custos Custodum says

      Feb 16, 2017 at 1:59 pm

      Crimea was TAKEN by Russia under Catharine the Great and formally annexed in 1783.

  21. underbed cat says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 2:54 pm

    I wish Trump would make a statement that he does not accept the resignation of Micheal Flynn and thumb his nose at the democrats /some republicans that allowed the Iranian deal to go forward under Obama. If Flynn was about to release the details of the agreement it surely was a desire to get protesters out to cause problems. But even so they were trying to make Trump appear that he had nefarious ties to Putin. Well Obama had maybe nefarious ties to the Mulahs, Karzi, muslims people in Russia..went to Cuba, mosques of terrorists, was this the stirring of the pot of grievences..? ..Not a peep….. Trump said, “Russia did not fly the planes into the Towers.” even though it has a large population of quiet muslims(?) and has had islamic terroris attacks such as Beslan. Sauds, who funded thru charities, and sakat, cash and looked the other way as 9/11 plans were being hatched that was deleted.? Not only that I could be wrong but no travel visa’s were needed to fly from S A elite a deal made by Obama…? Did Obama leave messages about a travel ban, knowing he could be sure the democrats would have one hell of a rise of protesters….ready and willing.? It is also curious about the crimminals released….no pardon for Blagorovich, and the state that spawned Obama is curiousiy quiet and a safe space for the MB. Clever…and still stirring?

  22. k v sebastian says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    “I wish Trump would make a statement that he does not accept the resignation of Micheal Flynn and thumb his nose at the democrats /some republicans that allowed the Iranian deal to go forward under Obama…” I second the opinion of underbed cat. I hope Trump would call back Micheal Flynn

  23. SAM says

    Feb 15, 2017 at 8:59 pm

    We are in a CIVIL WAR. WE HAVE TO FIGHT LIBERALISM AND ISLAM

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