DOJ Negotiates $50 Million Settlement for Trump Ally Flynn

UPDATE: The Department of Justice is in urgent discussions for a staggering $50 million settlement with former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his foreign contacts. This revelation comes as Flynn, who was pardoned by Donald Trump in late 2020, claims his prosecution was a politically motivated attack.

Flynn’s legal team asserts that “rogue FBI actors orchestrated a politically motivated hoax” that severely impacted his life and finances. In a court filing, Flynn’s attorney, Jesse Binnall, details how the alleged wrongful prosecution drained Flynn of resources while lining the pockets of those he accuses of sabotage.

The discussions mark a significant shift for the DOJ, which previously resisted Flynn’s claims during the Biden administration. In a notable twist, Flynn’s legal battle began on December 1, 2017, when he pleaded guilty to a felony charge regarding conversations with Russia’s ambassador. His attempts to seek damages were quashed last year when he lost the initial round of his civil lawsuit.

Binnall also represents Stefan Passantino, a former senior White House lawyer, who is now negotiating a settlement over his own claims of being wrongfully targeted. Passantino contends that his career was tarnished by the January 6 committee, which he alleges spread false information against him. His case adds another layer to the ongoing saga of legal battles involving Trump allies.

As negotiations progress, this case raises questions about the financial implications for taxpayers, who may ultimately foot the bill for these settlements. The DOJ’s efforts come amidst scrutiny over its approach to prosecutions related to the January 6 insurrection, as the department is simultaneously battling a lawsuit from Proud Boys defendants seeking over $100 million for what they describe as a “malicious” prosecution.

The urgency of these settlement talks signals a potential pivot in the DOJ’s handling of cases involving Trump’s associates, as they seek legal relief and compensation while navigating a politically charged environment. With Flynn’s claims now on the table, the implications for accountability and justice continue to unfold.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The impact of these negotiations could resonate beyond individual cases, hinting at broader themes of political accountability and the costs of legal battles in a polarized environment.