Flynn’s security clearance suspended: CNN

Michael Flynn, President Trump’s former national security adviser, has had his security clearance suspended, according to CNN.

A Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) spokesman told CNN the suspension is a normal administrative move for clearances under “pending review.”

“[It’s when] questions arise regarding an individual’s compliance with clearance standards,” they said, adding Flynn’s clearance could be reinstated if no wrongdoing is found.

Trump earlier Wednesday defended Flynn as a “wonderful man” who was treated unfairly by the media.

“I think he’s been treated very, very unfairly by the media — as I call it, the fake media, in many cases,” he said at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I think it’s really a sad thing he was treated so badly.”

“From intelligence, papers are leaked, things are being leaked, it’s criminal action,” Trump added.  “It’s a criminal act, and it’s been going on for a long time before me, but now it’s really going on.”

Trump’s remarks appeared at odds with those of White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who on Tuesday said the president asked for Flynn’s resignation due to “eroding” trust in his adviser.

Flynn resigned Monday amid reports he misled senior White House officials about his phone calls in December with a Russian ambassador.

The retired Army lieutenant general said he “inadvertently” gave “incomplete information” to Vice President Pence and others about his talks with Sergey Kislyak.

Reports emerged last week that, despite denials, Flynn and Kislyak discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia before Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration.

The FBI reportedly interviewed Flynn in January, shortly after Trump took office.

– This story was updated at 4:23 p.m.