Flynn kept security clearance post warning of Russia blackmail risk

The White House has clarified that no steps were taken to limit former national security advisor Michael Flynn's access to classified information after being informed that he was potentially compromised by Russia.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Tuesday added that Flynn, who was fired in February for misleading Vice President Mike Pence about his conversations with the Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak, was only sacked for that reason, The Guardian reports.

Spicer also said that Trump's defence of Flynn was because the President didn't want to "smear a good man".

Flynn is currently facing investigation from the Pentagon for not disclosing paid speeches in Russia. He is also accused of lobbying work on behalf of the Turkish Government in 2016.

It was earlier reported that outgoing president Barack Obama had warned Trump against hiring Flynn in their first Oval Office meeting after the 2016 presidential election.