The New York Times and Newsmax Media both fell victim to a fake Twitter account that purports to be former national security advisor Michael Flynn, with both publications quoting tweets from the fake account about his recent resignation.

Flynn resigned from his position late Monday, after reports that Flynn discussed sanctions with Russia's ambassador — and then misled Vice President Pence about the content of the talk.

Both the New York Times and Newsmax reported on the fake account, erroneously quoting the account's claim that Flynn viewed himself as the "sole scapegoat."



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While I accept full responsibility for my actions, I feel it is unfair that I have been made the sole scapegoat for what happened. (1/2) — Michael Flynn (@GenMikeFlynn) February 14, 2017

But if a scapegoat is what's needed for this Administration to continue to take this great nation forward, I am proud to do my duty. — Michael Flynn (@GenMikeFlynn) February 14, 2017

"‘While I accept full responsibility for my actions, I feel it is unfair that I have been made the sole scapegoat for what happened. But if a scapegoat is what’s needed for this Administration to continue to take this great nation forward, I am proud to do my duty,'” reported The New York Times and Newsmax, quoting the fake Flynn.

While the Newsmax story is still live and no correction has been made, the New York Times issued a correction.



“Because of an editing error, an earlier version quoted three posts from an unverified Twitter account," the Times wrote.

Newsmax Media insists The New York Times first reported on the fake Twitter account.



Flynn resigned early Tuesday after reports he misled senior Trump White House officials about his conversations with Russia.



President Trump has named retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg as acting national security adviser. Kellogg previously served as Flynn’s chief of staff on the National Security Council.

This article was updated at 7:54 p.m. on Feb. 15.