DOJ to Pay Ex-Trump Adviser Michael Flynn $1M to Settle Lawsuit

Settlement resolves Flynn's claims of malicious prosecution during Trump administration

Mar. 26, 2026 at 12:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Department of Justice has agreed to pay former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn around $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit he filed claiming he was politically targeted for prosecution during the Trump administration's first term.

Why it matters

The settlement marks a significant payout by the federal government to a high-profile Trump ally who was charged as part of the Russia investigation, though his conviction was later overturned. It raises questions about the Justice Department's handling of the case and the political dynamics involved.

The details

According to sources, the DOJ reached the agreement to pay Flynn the $1.2 million to settle his lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution. Flynn was charged in 2017 with making false statements to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials, but his conviction was later overturned.

  • The settlement was reached in March 2026.

The players

Michael Flynn

Former national security adviser to President Donald Trump who was charged as part of the Russia investigation but later had his conviction overturned.

U.S. Department of Justice

The federal agency that reached the settlement agreement with Michael Flynn.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The settlement agreement still needs to be finalized and approved by a federal judge.

The takeaway

The Flynn settlement raises further questions about the political motivations and handling of high-profile cases by the Justice Department during the Trump administration.