FRONTLINE and AP Examine “Michael Flynn’s Holy War”

Michael Flynn’s Holy War Tuesday, October 18 at 10/9c on PBS and on YouTube Streaming at 7/6c on pbs.org/frontline and in the PBS Video App facebook.com/frontline | Twitter: @frontlinepbs | Instagram: @frontlinepbs | youtube.com/frontline

 

This October, FRONTLINE and The Associated Press will broadcast and stream an illuminating joint investigation into former President Donald Trump’s first national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

Titled Michael Flynn’s Holy War, the documentary explores how the retired three-star general has emerged as a leader in a far-right movement that puts its brand of Christianity at the center of American civic life and institutions and is attracting election deniers, conspiracists and extremists from around the country.

From award-winning director Richard Rowley (American Insurrection) and AP correspondent Michelle R. Smith, Michael Flynn’s Holy War examines how Flynn returned from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan only to later declare that a “spiritual war” had come home to America.

Drawing on interviews with 125 people, including Flynn’s family, friends, critics, current and former colleagues — and Flynn himself — the documentary illustrates how Flynn’s influence has grown since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol — and how his pedigree and military career, combined with his connection to high-powered, well-financed political groups, have allowed him to travel the country and advance his movement since Jan. 6, while building his own political profile.

By reviewing campaign finance records, corporate and charity filings, social media posts and similar open-source information, as well as attending several public events where Flynn appeared, FRONTLINE and AP found that Flynn has utilized public appearances to energize voters, make political endorsements to build alliances and amass a network of nonprofit groups to advance a movement that draws together election deniers, mask and vaccine opponents, insurrectionists, Proud Boys and elected officials.

In the run-up to the midterm elections, Michael Flynn’s Holy War is a revealing look at the rise of one of the Republican party’s most active and polarizing political allies, and what his growing influence might mean for future U.S. elections.

Michael Flynn’s Holy War is supported by Preserving Democracy, a public media reporting initiative from The WNET Group.

Michael Flynn’s Holy War will be available to watch in full at pbs.org/frontline and in the PBS Video App starting Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, at 7/6c. It will premiere on PBS stations (check local listings) and on FRONTLINE’s YouTube channel at 10/9c.

The documentary is part of an ongoing investigation from FRONTLINE and AP that includes co-published digital stories. Michael Flynn’s Holy War is distributed internationally by PBS International. Subscribe to FRONTLINE’s newsletter to get updates on events, podcast episodes and more related to Michael Flynn’s Holy War.

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Credits Michael Flynn’s Holy War is a FRONTLINE production with Midnight Films, LLC in partnership with The Associated Press. The director and writer is Richard Rowley. The producers are Paul Abowd and Jacqueline Soohen. The reporters are Michelle R. Smith, Paul Abowd and Richard Rowley. The correspondent is Michelle R. Smith. The international investigations editor for AP is Ron Nixon. The editor-in-chief and executive producer of FRONTLINE is Raney Aronson-Rath.

About FRONTLINE FRONTLINE, U.S. television’s longest running investigative documentary series, explores the issues of our times through powerful storytelling. FRONTLINE has won every major journalism and broadcasting award, including 104 Emmy Awards and 28 Peabody Awards. Visit pbs.org/frontline and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn more. FRONTLINE is produced at GBH in Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additional support for FRONTLINE is provided by the Abrams Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Park Foundation, the Heising-Simons Foundation, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund, with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation, and additional support from Koo and Patricia Yuen. Funding for Michael Flynn’s Holy War is provided by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation and The WNET Group’s Preserving Democracy, a public media reporting initiative.

About AP The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day. Online: www.ap.org

About The WNET Group The WNET Group creates inspiring media content and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences nationwide. It is the community-supported home of New York’s THIRTEEN – America’s flagship PBS station – WLIW21, THIRTEEN PBSKids, WLIW World and Create; NJ PBS, New Jersey’s statewide public television network; Long Island’s only NPR station WLIW-FM; ALL ARTS, the arts and culture media provider; and newsroom NJ Spotlight News. Through these channels and streaming platforms, The WNET Group brings arts, culture, education, news, documentary, entertainment and DIY programming to more than five million viewers each month. The WNET Group’s award-winning productions include signature PBS series Nature, Great Performances, American Masters and Amanpour and Company and trusted local news programs MetroFocus and NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi. Inspiring curiosity and nurturing dreams, The WNET Group’s award-winning Kids’ Media and Education team produces the PBS KIDS series Cyberchase, interactive Mission US history games, and resources for families, teachers and caregivers. A leading nonprofit public media producer for nearly 60 years, The WNET Group presents and distributes content that fosters lifelong learning, including multiplatform initiatives addressing poverty, jobs, economic opportunity, social justice, understanding and the environment. Through Passport, station members can stream new and archival programming anytime, anywhere. The WNET Group represents the best in public media. Join us.

Contacts Anne Husted, Manager, Public Relations and Communications | FRONTLINE (PBS) 617-300-5312 frontlinemedia@wgbh.org

Nicole Meir, Media Relations Manager | The Associated Press 212-621-7536 nmeir@ap.org