Donald Trump names Keith Kellogg as acting national security advisor after Michael Flynn resigns
Michael Flynn resigned after coming under fire over whether he discussed the possibility of lifting US sanctions on Russia before Donald Trump took office.
President Donald Trump has named Lt. General Joseph Keith Kellogg, Jr. as acting National Security Advisor after Michael Flynn resigned from the post on Monday following controversy about his phone call with a Russian ambassador.
Kellogg, 72, is a decorated Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam War, where he earned a number of medals, including the Silver Star. He served as the commander of the famous 82nd Airborne Division from 1997 to 1998.
Kellogg is considered to be one of the president's closest advisers. He was directly under Flynn until the resignation, reports Fox News.
Flynn, in his resignation letter, wrote that he "inadvertently" briefed top officials with incomplete information regarding his call with the Russian ambassador.
He had initially denied discussing sanctions with the Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transition. Vice-President Pence also defended him in front of the media. But last week, when reports suggested that sanctions may indeed have been discussed, he conceded that he could not remember with 100% certainty.
Pence was said to be also troubled by the possibility that he was misled post the reports.