President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House before heading to Utah. Photo: Susan Walsh / AP
President Trump told reporters while boarding Marine One Monday that he feels "very badly" for his fired National Security Advisor Mike Flynn, who pled guilty to lying to the FBI on Friday.
He also claimed that Hillary Clinton has lied repeatedly to the FBI "and nothing happened to her," while Flynn's life has been ruined by doing the same. "I think it's a shame," he said. (Note that Former FBI Director James Comey said in July 2016 that Clinton never lied to the bureau).
Why it matters: Trump has consistently defended Flynn despite his lying to both the FBI and Vice President Mike Pence about his communication with Russian officials, to the point where it's gotten the president in hot water. Former FBI Director James Comey has accused Trump of telling him to drop the investigation on Flynn, and critics said Trump may have admitted to obstructing justice Saturday when he defended Flynn in a tweet.
Full quote: "I feel badly for Gen. Flynn. I feel very badly. He's led a very strong life, and I feel very badly. I will say this, Hillary Clinton lied many times to the FBI and nothing happened to her. Flynn lied, and they destroyed his life, and I think it's a shame. Hillary Clinton on the 4th of July weekend went to the FBI, not under oath, it was the most incredible thing anyone has ever seen. She lied many times, nothing happened to her. Flynn lied, and it's like — they ruined his life. It's very unfair."