But for some voters, Flynn’s status as a retired general and top intelligence officer gave weight to the empty theories. He immediately became a chief promoter of the “Stop the Steal” effort and championed bogus claims about foreign interference and ballot tampering that weren’t supported by credible evidence. In the weeks after the November 2020 presidential election, Flynn picked up a presidential pardon - granted to forgive his guilty plea to lying to the FBI. Their favored candidates in August won control of the county school board. In Sarasota, Florida, where he lives, he has worked in concert with members of the extremist group the Proud Boys to influence local politics. And he’s at the center.”įlynn has, with mixed success, supported like-minded candidates around the country, and has said his immediate goal is to influence this year’s elections. “All of this comes together to present a very live threat. “He is spearheading the attack on our democracy, which is coming from many quarters, and he is affiliated with many of these sectors, from the military to Christian nationalism to election denial to extremist groups,” she said. Throughout 20, Flynn made more than 60 in-person speeches in 24 states, according to a count by the AP and “Frontline.” When he speaks, the former top adviser to then-President Donald Trump spreads baseless conspiracy theories, stoking fear and fueling anger and division and grievance.įlynn is “one of the most dangerous individuals in America today,” said Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian and expert on authoritarianism and fascism who wrote the book “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present.” “I don’t even know why I’m talking to you, honestly,” Flynn said as the interview got underway. Flynn himself sat down for a rare on-camera interview with what he calls the mainstream media. Reporters examined dozens of Flynn’s speeches, interviews and public appearances. The news organizations also reviewed campaign finance records, corporate and charity filings, social media posts and similar open-source information, and attended several public events where Flynn appeared. The AP and “Frontline” spoke with more than 60 people, including Flynn’s family, friends, opponents, and current and former colleagues, for this story. This story is part of an ongoing investigation from The Associated Press and “Frontline” that includes the upcoming documentary “Michael Flynn’s Holy War,” premiering Oct. Speaking at the event, Michael Flynn, former national security adviser to former President Donald Trump, is trying to build a movement centered on Christian nationalist ideas, where Christianity is at the center of American life and institutions. Attendees raise their hands as they worship inside the tent during the ReAwaken America tour at Cornerstone Church, in Batavia, N.Y., Friday, Aug.
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