An email former Donald Trump deputy national security adviser K.T. McFarland sent during the presidential transition contradicts testimony she gave before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in July, the New York Times reports.
McFarland sent the email on Dec. 29, 2016, regarding Russian sanctions imposed by former president Barrack Obama. In it, the Trump adviser suggested the Obama administration’s move would make it difficult for Trump’s relationship with Russia, “which has just thrown the U.S.A. election to him.” She also told another Trump official that former national security adviser Michael Flynn would be meeting with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
As part of her sworn testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, McFarland was asked, in writing, “ “Did you ever discuss any of General Flynn’s contacts with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak directly with General Flynn?”
“I am not aware of any of the issues or events as described above,” she replied.
Sen. Corey Booker (D-NJ), who asked McFarland the question about Flynn, expressed concern over McFarland’s email.
“Recent developments suggest that Ms. McFarland gave false testimony to the United States Senate on a matter as significant as communications between the Russian government and the Trump transition team,” Booker told the Times. “If this is the case, this is an alarming development, and another example of a pattern of deception on the part of Trump’s closest associates regarding their connections and communications to Russian government officials.”
