Topic: Leading Authorities

The media has focused on Michael Flynn's failure to disclose payments for a 2015 speech in Russia. The hosts clarify that Flynn was paid by "Leading Authorities," an American speakers' bureau, rather than receiving a direct check from the Russian government. They argue that the reporting on Flynn's financial disclosures is a "puzzle" designed to create a narrative of collusion where none exists.

General Michael Flynn is under fire for receiving $34,000 from RT to attend a 2015 gala in Moscow where he sat next to Vladimir Putin. Investigations also reveal payments from Kaspersky Labs and a $600,000 lobbying contract involving Turkey. The hosts explain how the "speakers bureau" industry works, suggesting Flynn was likely part of a pre-packaged group of speakers booked by the agency Leading Authorities.

RT's head of communications, Anna Belkina, defended the payment to Michael Flynn as a standard commercial transaction through a U.S. speakers bureau. She criticized the agency, Leading Authorities, for leaking confidential, unredacted emails to the Washington Post. The hosts condemn the agency for violating client confidentiality and failing to protect the names of employees involved in the booking.