Trump: 'Real story' of Flynn resignation is illegal leaks

President Trump on Tuesday said the “real story” of national security adviser Michael Flynn’s resignation was “illegal leaks,” rather than reports Flynn misled senior White House officials about his conversations with Russia.

"The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington? Will these leaks be happening as I deal with N.Korea etc?" Trump tweeted. 

The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington? Will these leaks be happening as I deal on N.Korea etc?

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2017

The White House announced Flynn's resignation Monday night, the culmination of weeks of controversy surrounding alleged communications with Russia. 

Flynn had initially denied speaking with Russia’s U.S. ambassador during the transition about sanctions levied by President Obama, but admitted this week that he may have done so and "inadvertently" told Vice President Pence and others otherwise. 

News reports based on anonymous sourcing from within the reaches of government disclosed those communications. 

During the campaign, Trump signaled affection for leaks that hurt Democrat Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonTrump tweets video montage of people saying he couldn't win presidency Baseless attacks on Robert Mueller must end to protect our democracy Ex-NATO commander: Trump right to demand NATO members pay more for defense MORE. In October, he told the crowd at a campaign rally "I love WikiLeaks" as the group continued to release hacked emails from Clinton's top aides.