Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who served briefly as President Donald Trump’s first national security adviser, has reignited controversy within Republican ranks after alleging that former Vice President Mike Pence and former House Speaker Paul Ryan were involved in efforts to sideline Trump early in his presidency.
In a new interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson, Flynn suggested that both men privately discussed strategies to remove Trump from power during the 2016 campaign and were prepared to step in if the then-candidate decided to withdraw following the release of the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape.
Flynn’s Explosive Allegations
During the interview, Flynn—who spent more than three decades in U.S. military intelligence—claimed that internal conversations took place among top Republican figures shortly after the controversial 2016 tape surfaced, in which Trump was recorded making lewd comments years before his presidency.
According to Flynn, the political fallout from the recording prompted key Republican leaders, including Pence, Ryan, and then-Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, to discuss a possible contingency plan if Trump dropped out of the race.
“There’s no doubt about it,” Flynn said. “Paul Ryan and Mike Pence wanted Trump out during the ‘Access Hollywood’ scandal. I know there were discussions between Ryan, Reince Priebus, and Pence about what to do if Trump stepped down. They were ready to move in immediately.”
Flynn claimed the discussions reflected what he called the “Uniparty” mentality in Washington — an alliance of establishment figures from both major political parties who he believes sought to maintain control of the federal government regardless of election outcomes.
“This isn’t about Republican or Democrat,” Flynn continued. “It’s about an entrenched political class that didn’t want to accept Trump’s victory or the America First agenda he represented.”
Inside the 2016 Crisis
The “Access Hollywood” tape, released in October 2016, sent shockwaves through Trump’s campaign just weeks before Election Day. The recording led to widespread condemnation, with several Republican lawmakers urging Trump to step aside and allow Pence to lead the ticket.
Trump refused, denouncing the tape as “locker-room talk” and continuing to campaign. Despite the uproar, he went on to win the presidency, defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton in one of the most stunning political upsets in modern U.S. history.
Flynn’s comments suggest that even within Trump’s inner circle, there were deep divisions during those critical weeks — divisions that would later resurface throughout his presidency.
“People don’t realize how close the establishment came to forcing Trump out,” Flynn said. “If he had stepped down, there was a plan in place for Pence and Ryan to step forward and take over. That tells you everything about how Washington works.”
Pence, Ryan, and the “Uniparty” Claim
Flynn’s allegations reflect his long-standing criticism of what he calls a permanent political elite in Washington, often referred to among populist conservatives as the “Deep State.”
He accused both Pence and Ryan of aligning with that establishment and said their actions during Trump’s first term undermined the administration’s efforts to challenge entrenched bureaucratic and political power.
“People think because someone has an ‘R’ next to their name that they’re on your side,” Flynn said. “But there’s a Uniparty that runs this town, and it’s not about party loyalty. It’s about protecting their system — the same system that’s been failing the American people for decades.”
Paul Ryan, who served as Speaker of the House from 2015 to 2019, frequently clashed with Trump over fiscal policy, border security, and political tone. He announced his retirement in 2018, citing frustration with the growing populist influence within the GOP.
Mike Pence, meanwhile, remained Trump’s loyal running mate and vice president until the final days of the administration, when their relationship fractured over Pence’s refusal to reject electoral votes during the certification of the 2020 election.
Neither Ryan nor Pence has publicly responded to Flynn’s latest claims.
Flynn’s Broader Message
Throughout the interview, Flynn expanded his remarks beyond personal accusations, framing them as part of a larger struggle for the future of American politics.
He claimed that the U.S. is experiencing “a great political realignment” — one defined by a growing divide between grassroots populism and what he described as a “far-left socialist movement” rooted in the Obama era.
“There’s a fight going on for the soul of the country,” Flynn said. “It’s America First versus a globalist, socialist agenda that wants to control every aspect of our lives — our economy, our energy, our borders, our freedoms.”
Flynn argued that Trump’s rise in 2016 was a direct challenge to that system, which is why, he said, so many powerful figures — including some within the Republican establishment — worked to stop him.
“Trump didn’t just defeat Democrats,” Flynn said. “He defeated the entire D.C. machine. And that’s why they came after him, and that’s why they came after anyone who stood with him.”
Flynn’s Tumultuous Tenure and Legal Battles
Flynn’s own history with the Trump administration is one of the most turbulent of the past decade. A decorated Army general and former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency under President Barack Obama, Flynn joined Trump’s 2016 campaign as one of his earliest national security advisers.
He briefly served as Trump’s National Security Advisor in early 2017 before resigning amid controversy over his communications with Russian officials. He was later charged with making false statements to the FBI, though Trump eventually issued him a full pardon in November 2020.
Since his departure from government, Flynn has become a leading figure in conservative and populist movements, often warning about government overreach, surveillance, and what he calls “a war on truth and freedom.”
Divisions Within the GOP
Flynn’s comments come at a time when the Republican Party continues to grapple with deep internal divisions between establishment conservatives and populist allies of Trump.
The alleged tension between Trump loyalists and traditional Republican figures like Pence and Ryan reflects a broader identity struggle over the party’s direction heading into 2026 and beyond.
Political analysts note that such revelations — whether accurate or exaggerated — highlight the lasting distrust among different factions within the GOP.
“Flynn’s statements are part of an ongoing effort to frame the Republican Party’s future around Trump’s populist vision,” said political strategist Laura Jennings. “Even if some details are disputed, the broader theme resonates with many voters who feel betrayed by the political class.”
What Comes Next
As the 2024 election’s aftermath continues to reshape both parties, Flynn’s accusations have once again drawn attention to the long shadow of Trump’s presidency and the unresolved rifts it left behind.
Supporters view Flynn as a truth-teller exposing political corruption, while critics see his claims as another attempt to rewrite history and stoke division within the GOP.
Regardless, the retired general’s remarks serve as a reminder that the internal battles that began in 2016 are far from over — and may only intensify as the next election cycle approaches.
“The American people are waking up,” Flynn concluded. “They’ve seen how deep the corruption runs, and they’re not going back to sleep. The fight for this country’s future is just getting started.”