After being asked about Mueller, Whitaker tells Judiciary Committee chairman 'your five minutes is up'

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday got off to a contentious start.

Committee Chair Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) at one point during the hearing asked Whitaker whether he has been asked to approve any of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's requests or actions. In a stunning moment, Whitaker replied, "Mr. Chairman, I see that your five minutes is up." Those in attendance for the hearing were clearly shocked, and a mixture of laughs and gasps filled the room.

"I am here voluntarily," Whitaker continued as Nadler chucked to himself, apparently in disbelief at this unusual scene. "We agreed to five minute rounds." Nadler pointed out that the committee "didn't enforce the five-minute rule" up until that point, and asked him to "answer the question, please." Whitaker finally did provide an answer, saying he has "not interfered in any way" with the Mueller investigation. Watch the moment below. Brendan Morrow

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up