Trump: Flynn ‘should ask for immunity’ in Russia ‘witch hunt’

President Trump is defending former national security adviser Michael Flynn’s offer to testify in ongoing probes of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election in exchange for legal immunity.

Trump wrote on Twitter early Friday morning that the investigation had become “a witch hunt,” echoing language used by his former campaign adviser’s attorney.

Mike Flynn should ask for immunity in that this is a witch hunt (excuse for big election loss), by media & Dems, of historic proportion!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 31, 2017

Flynn’s lawyer told The Wall Street Journal one day earlier that the retired lieutenant general is willing to talk to the House and Senate Intelligence panels as part of their probes into Russian election meddling and into any ties between members of Trump’s campaign and Moscow. But any testimony or interview would have to come with a promise that Flynn would not be prosecuted.

{mosads}“General Flynn certainly has a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it, should circumstances permit,” Robert Kelner told The Journal.

“No reasonable person, who has the benefit of advice from counsel, would submit to questioning in such a highly politicized, witch hunt environment without assurances against unfair prosecution,” he added.

Flynn resigned last month amid revelations that he misled Vice President Pence and others about meetings he had with Russian officials before Trump took office.

While Flynn’s resignation was ultimately requested by Trump himself, the president defended his former aide at a Feb. 15 news conference, saying Flynn was treated “very, very unfairly by the media.” Flynn, he said, was a “wonderful man.”

Since then, Flynn has been the subject of much controversy surrounding an apparent web of foreign business interests, including lobbying work that is said to have benefitted the Turkish government. Flynn registered as a foreign agent earlier this month.

Trump has frequently assailed allegations of possible collusion between his associates and Moscow as a smokescreen intended to compensate for 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s unexpected loss in November.