Actually what I stated at the time -- was that Michael Flynn or other new administration officials meeting with the Russian ambassador (or other officials from foreign nations) during the transition period between the election and the inauguration day is in no way unusual and has been done throughout U.S. history. These type of meetings in no way violated the law -- unlike what others contended. What Flynn got in trouble for was lying to the FBI about the meetings - although the law enforcement actions in this case were very questionable IMO.
Trump eventually pardoned Flynn.
The pardon brings an end to a long-running legal odyssey for Flynn, who was the only member of the Trump administration to be charged as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russian ambassador and then cooperated extensively with prosecutors. But he ultimately reversed course and accused the government of trying to frame him.
Flynn went so far as to withdraw his first plea of guilty and substitute a second plea of not guilty, even though he'd acknowledged the underlying conduct that was against the law and been close to receiving a sentence.
Once the full
Mueller report came out -- I did not question the indictments against Manafort, Stone, etc. I still however still think the indictment of Flynn was very questionable. I will note that Flynn's activities since being released including
his refusal to support peacefully transition of power and the recent news of
his recent citation for taking unauthorized foreign payments -- make it clear he is not fit to serve in a leadership position.
However the entire "Trump Russian" narrative early in his administration was built up around that Flynn met with Russian officials prior to the inauguration and therefore the narrative stated that Trump was colluding with the Russians. Until the Mueller report came out there was little evidence of an connection between Trump associates and Russia. And when the Mueller report came out -- none of the indicted were Trump administration officials (note Flynn cooperated prior the report).
