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A Guilty Plea

JONATHAN ERNST—REUTERS

Michael Flynn used to work for President Donald Trump. On December 1, he went to court. He pleaded guilty to lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He also agreed to work with Robert Mueller. Mueller is leading an investigation. It is about Russia. Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Mueller wants to see if Russia and Trump’s campaign worked together.

Court documents say a “very senior member” of Trump’s team told Flynn to talk to Russian officials. The talks took place after Trump was elected but before he took office.

Flynn is the fourth person that Mueller has charged with crimes. In October, the FBI arrested Paul Manafort. He was Trump’s campaign manager. He pleaded not guilty.

Ty Cobb is a White House lawyer. “Nothing about the guilty plea or the charge implicates anyone other than Mr. Flynn,” he said.

In his statement, Flynn said: “My guilty plea and agreement to cooperate with [Mueller’s] investigation reflect a decision I made in the best interests of my family and our country. I accept full responsibility for my actions.”