Trump sends Flynn a private 'stay strong' message during the Russia investigation
Reporting and findings
- documented
Through an intermediary, Trump sent Flynn a message to 'stay strong' while Flynn was under investigation. Flynn's lawyers later communicated with Trump's personal counsel about cooperation and potential presidential concern. Mueller considered whether the contacts could influence cooperation, but identified competing interpretations and did not make a traditional charging judgment against the sitting president.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Special Counsel's Office: Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential ElectionVolume II, pages 120–123: April message, counsel contacts, potential pardon discussion, and intent analysis
Summary and current status
Mueller analyzed the supportive outreach alongside public statements and possible pardon expectations, while identifying evidentiary limits.
Investigative evidence; no standalone court finding against Trump
People and organizations
- Donald J. TrumpDonald Trump network root
- Michael Flynnformer Trump national security adviser and clemency recipient
Relationships in this file
- Donald J. Trumpnational security adviser and clemency recipientMichael Flynn