RE: I’m still confused by Flynn’s resignation. We still don’t know the gist of the real allegations against him
Here’s how I understand it:
1) Flynn spoke to the Russian Ambassador as a member of Trump’s team and as the likely ( no yet confirmed ) National Security Adviser.
2) The Ambassador brought up the sanctions that Obama was placing on Russia as a result of the suspected hacking during the elections. The discussion was tangential and Flynn probably said he will bring this up with Trump but made no promises.
3) The Ambassador’s conversation with Flynn was being tapped.
4) Someone illegally LEAKED to the press about the conversation. THAT someone still has to be identified.
5) Because of the above leak, there was a huge brouhaha regarding whether or not Flynn violated the Logan Act ( an over 200 year old law that was never seriously implemented ).
6) When VP Mike Pence asked Flynn whether or not sanctions with Russia were discussed, Flynn flatly denied having spoken to Kislyak in December 2016 about the sanctions placed on Russia by the Obama administration; however, the next day, U.S. intelligence officials shared an account indicating that such discussions did in fact take place.
The above constituted a misleading statement to the VP.
Following this revelation, Flynn’s spokesman released a statement that Flynn “indicated that while he had no recollection of discussing sanctions, he couldn’t be certain that the topic never came up”.
7) Now here’s where Trump could have steadfastly said publicly that he still stood by Flynn. He did not. There was a trust issue involved and he had to ask Flynn to resign.
So, THERE WAS INDEED SURVEILLANCE. The more disturbing issue is WHO LEAKED THE CONTENTS OF THE SURVEILLANCE TO THE PRESS?
Flynn didn't need to be confirmed.
McMaster needs it only because he wants to maintain his military rank and active duty status.