The real reason the judge delayed Michael Flynn’s sentencing today

The fireworks from today’s Michael Flynn sentencing hearing were so explosive, you’ll be hearing about them for the rest of the week – and perhaps a lot longer. Words like “treason” and “sold out your country” were thrown around in the courtroom, and that was all just from the judge’s mouth. One thing that’s been largely overlooked today, and misunderstood by some observers, is why the judge allowed Flynn to delay his sentencing.

The tricky part is that while Special Counsel Robert Mueller recommended that Michael Flynn receive no prison time in exchange for his cooperation, Mueller couldn’t say much about what that cooperation was. This is presumably because Flynn has turned over evidence that proves the likes of Donald Trump and Mike Pence guilty.

The judge wanted to know why he should sign off on Flynn getting a free pass, in light of the serious nature of Flynn’s numerous crimes. Neither Mueller nor Flynn could give the judge this information. The judge dropped strong hints that if he were to sentence Flynn right now, he would send him to prison. The judge then asked if Flynn wanted to delay his sentencing. Flynn said yes.

Some observers misinterpreted this as the judge accusing Michael Flynn of not fully cooperating. But that’s not what happened. Mueller has already confirmed in the sentencing memo that Flynn fully cooperated, and the judge said nothing to dispute this. Instead, the judge was simply giving Flynn the option of coming back for sentencing once he’s able to show more tangible results his cooperation.

This has led some to ask if this means the judge knows that Robert Mueller is about to make a big move within the next ninety days. The answer is no; this judge would not be in position to have this kind of information. That said, Michael Flynn did conclude that he might get a more lenient sentence ninety days from now, so it’s fair to ask if Flynn knows something about Mueller’s forthcoming moves.