The Secret Pact: Did Pence and Ryan Plot to Oust Trump Before He Took Office?
Mike Flynn Accuses Pence and Paul Ryan of Secretly Undermining Trump During His First Term
Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who briefly served as President Donald Trump’s first National Security Advisor, has once again ignited controversy within Republican circles — this time by accusing former Vice President Mike Pence and former House Speaker Paul Ryan of plotting behind the scenes to weaken Trump’s presidency before it even began.
In a recent interview with conservative host Benny Johnson, Flynn claimed that both men took part in private discussions during the 2016 campaign aimed at sidelining Trump following the release of the now-infamous Access Hollywood tape. According to Flynn, the conversations reflected the growing fear among top Republicans that Trump’s candidacy could collapse under the scandal — and that they were preparing a plan to replace him.
Flynn’s Explosive Allegations
Flynn, a retired three-star general and former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, asserted that after the 2016 recording went public, several high-ranking Republican leaders — including Pence, Ryan, and then–RNC Chairman Reince Priebus — discussed how to respond if Trump withdrew from the race.
“There’s no doubt about it,” Flynn told Johnson. “Paul Ryan and Mike Pence were both ready to move in if Trump stepped aside. There were real talks about what would happen if he dropped out. They wanted him gone.”
He went on to claim that these discussions were not just about political survival but about preserving control within Washington’s “establishment system,” which he often refers to as the “Uniparty” — a network of career politicians and power brokers from both parties working to protect their own influence.
“This wasn’t about Democrats or Republicans,” Flynn continued. “It was about keeping the same people in power, no matter who the voters picked. Trump was the outsider who threatened to upend that.”
The Crisis of 2016
The Access Hollywood tape, released in October 2016, threw the Trump campaign into chaos just weeks before Election Day. In the recording, Trump was heard making crude remarks that many viewed as disqualifying. A wave of Republican officials publicly condemned him, with some urging him to step aside so Pence could lead the ticket.
But Trump refused to quit. He called the recording “locker-room talk” and pressed on with his campaign — a decision that ultimately led to one of the biggest political upsets in U.S. history, defeating Hillary Clinton and shocking the Washington establishment.
Flynn’s remarks suggest that even as Trump pushed forward, there were significant cracks within his own party — divisions that would resurface throughout his time in office.
“Most people don’t realize how close Trump came to being forced out,” Flynn said. “There was a plan, and it involved people who were supposed to be on his side.”
Pence, Ryan, and the ‘Uniparty’ Theory
Flynn’s accusations align with his broader view that a deeply rooted political class dominates Washington — what many in Trump’s base refer to as the “Deep State.” He accused both Pence and Ryan of being part of that network, claiming they quietly resisted Trump’s populist “America First” agenda during his first term.
“Having an ‘R’ next to your name doesn’t mean you’re fighting for the people,” Flynn said. “There are Republicans who will do anything to preserve their own power, even if it means betraying the voters who put them there.”
Ryan, who served as House Speaker from 2015 to 2019, was known for frequent policy disagreements with Trump, particularly over spending and trade. He retired from Congress in 2018, citing frustration with the party’s shift toward populism. Pence, meanwhile, remained loyal to Trump for most of their time in office but broke with him over the 2020 election certification — a rift that effectively ended their political partnership.
Neither Ryan nor Pence has commented on Flynn’s recent allegations.
A Broader Message from Flynn
Beyond his personal claims, Flynn framed his comments as part of a larger battle between establishment control and grassroots populism. He argued that the United States is undergoing a fundamental political realignment, pitting the “America First” movement against what he described as a “globalist agenda” seeking to weaken national sovereignty.
“There’s a war for the soul of this country,” Flynn said. “This is about whether America will be run by its citizens or by a ruling class that thinks it owns the government.”
Flynn portrayed Trump’s rise in 2016 as a direct rebellion against that class — one that continues to shape politics even years after he left office.
Flynn’s Tumultuous Journey
Flynn’s own history with the Trump administration is as dramatic as the claims he now makes. After serving briefly as National Security Advisor in 2017, he resigned amid controversy over his contacts with Russian officials. He later faced charges for making false statements to the FBI — charges he maintained were part of a political setup. President Trump ultimately pardoned him in 2020.
Since then, Flynn has become a prominent voice among conservative activists, warning about government corruption, surveillance abuses, and what he calls “a war on freedom.”
Unhealed Divisions in the GOP
Flynn’s statements come at a moment when the Republican Party remains fractured between Trump-aligned populists and traditional conservatives. Analysts note that whether or not his claims are fully accurate, they reflect the ongoing distrust many grassroots voters feel toward long-standing GOP power brokers.
“Flynn is tapping into a powerful sentiment among Republican voters who believe the establishment never wanted Trump — and never will,” said political strategist Laura Jennings.
For Flynn and his supporters, the message is clear: the same political forces that tried to undermine Trump in 2016 still hold sway in Washington today. And, as Flynn put it, “The American people are finally seeing how deep the corruption goes — and they’re not backing down this time.”