Reports emerged last week that Michael Flynn discussed U.S. sanctions against Russia with ambassador Sergey Kislyak before Trump took office, and then reportedly misled administration officials about his contacts.
Earlier Monday, Kellyanne Conway, a top Trump aide, said in a television interview, "Gen. Flynn does enjoy the full confidence of the president”, marking a stark departure from days of non-committal statements made by White House representatives.
Vice President Mike Pence said last month that Flynn's conversations with Kislyak did not address economic sanctions. The Washington Post, which broke the original story on Flynn’s communications, reported that an official told the newspaper either Flynn misled Pence or Pence misspoke.
Flynn’s resignation marks a surprisingly early reshuffle in Trump’s inner circle of advisers after the president’s first three weeks in office has been marred by controversial executive actions and highly contentious Cabinet member confirmations.