The White House's Rapidly Shifting Story on Firing Flynn
Spokesman Sean Spicer said that Donald Trump gradually lost trust in his national security adviser, then decided to fire him Monday night—but not everything about that account adds up.
The White House is taking a mulligan on its selection of a national security adviser, replacing Michael Flynn just 24 days into his tenure. It’s seeking a do-over on its messaging of Flynn’s departure, too.
During a briefing Tuesday afternoon, Press Secretary Sean Spicer tried to corral a narrative fast getting out of control. Spicer’s message had a few fundamental points: First, the White House had determined that Flynn broke no laws in his discussions with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Second, Flynn was fired because Trump had lost faith in his honesty,
