Shockingly, some of the leaders most concerned about Russian subversion and Mr. Trumps possible compromise were his first and most vocal supporters among congressional leaders some publicly, some privately. It was an inauspicious trade of national security for political self-preservation and partisan ambition.
Now the leaders worst fears seem validated. Mr. Flynn has become the third Trump team member to step down over Russia-related issues, following the campaign chairman Paul Manafort and the foreign policy adviser Carter Page.
This plotline is unlikely to improve of its own accord, and Americas security is now at stake. For Republican leaders in Congress, there is no more room for cognitive dissonance. Instead, it is urgent that they recommit to patriotic prudence. They should demand that Attorney General Jeff Sessions appoint an independent special counsel to investigate Russias assault on American democracy and Mr. Trumps possible collusion with the Kremlin.
At a minimum, they must establish a bipartisan special select committee with subpoena power in the House or the Senate for the same purpose. This job is too big and significant to be entrusted to the standing intelligence committees, which have critical tasks and limited staff. The nation must have accountability including public hearings where possible on these matters.