Flynn wants immunity

Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser, has stated that he would be willing to testify before federal and congressional investigators in regards to the ongoing investigation claiming Russia meddled in the United States’ 2016 presidential election. The catch, he wants immunity from anything that might result in criminal charges.

Flynn was forced to resign from his position as national security adviser after it was discovered he had misled Vice President Mike Pence in regards to his communications with the Russian ambassador, reported CNN. Flynn has been under fire for his ties with Russia for a few months now and many are questioning the nature of those relationships.

However, according to Flynn’s counsel, he has a “story to tell” and he really would like to have the opportunity to tell it, as long as he gets left out of the potential trouble it might cause. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on Thursday that Flynn was attempting to receive immunity for his testimony, but no agreement has be announced.

President Trump of course had something to say about the whole thing. He tweeted on Friday that Flynn should request immunity given that this investigation is a “witch hunt” being led by the media and Democrats who are upset over an election loss, reported CNN.

However, this request for immunity has many people questioning if Flynn is guilty or not. Many are stating that only those who have committed a crime request immunity. Flynn himself even stated last year on MSNBC, “When you are given immunity, that means you probably committed a crime.”

Trump loses popularity

In the past few months, Trump’s approval ratings have been spiraling downward as his health care bill hit the fan. Many of his supporters, who have mainly been white men without college degrees, have slowly been losing their faith in Trump, reported CNN.

Many are questioning why working class whites are becoming less supportive of Trump as months have gone on. CNN claims it’s a lack of kept promises, as Trump promised during his presidential campaign better paying jobs and an improved health care plan.

A study done by Princeton professors Anne Case and Sir Angus Deaton looked to explain the desirability that Trump had to whites lacking college degrees. This study suggests that the majority of government policy and society have been failing this group, leaving them with a “cumulative disadvantage” when it comes to economic, social and personal success, CNN reported.

However, this study has seen a bit of criticism claiming that it compares whites to minority groups that suffer from cumulative disadvantage. This study also points to why Trump saw so much support from the white working class; he made promises to them for improvement in the areas they need assistance. Nevertheless, his approval rating is affected by those voters, and so far it seems like the majority of them are not pleased.

Ivanka Trump takes office

Ivanka Trump has officially become a government employee thanks to her father, President Donald Trump. Ivanka Trump will be an unpaid employee working in the West Wing of the White House, reported CNN.

Many do not seem happy about Ivanka’s new position at the White House. Now that Ivanka will be considered an adviser to the president, she will have to file her own Form 278 which binds her legally to the ethics rules, CNN reported.  Ivanka is not the only Trump family member working in the White House. Her husband, Jared Kushner is also serving as an unpaid government employee.

First reports of Ivanka Trump’s position in the White House were made by The New York Times. The White House has officially confirmed that Ivanka would be moving into the West Wing, obtain top-secret security clearance and receive government provided communications devices, reported CNN.

While this is an exciting time for Ivanka Trump, her sudden rise in authority might not be fully legal. Many critics are claiming that this elevation by Ivanka violates the nepotism law that was passed in 1967 and states that federal employees of all standing may not hire or promote a relative.