WATCH: Heated Hearing – Intelligence Officials Refuse to Answer Basic Questions as Senator Demands a ‘Legal Basis’

‘On the Record I Would Like a Legal Justification for Your Refusal to Answer the Question’

Four of America’s top intelligence officials testified in an open hearing Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee, and it just got very heated. Senator Angus King, independent of Maine, was forced to demand answers after three – Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, Admiral Mike Rogers, the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats – refused to answer basic questions. 

Senator King began his questioning by telling McCabe he was “puzzled” by his refusal to answer previous questions from a Democrat on the Committee. 

McCabe told King he didn’t know if he could answer or not, stating it might “fall within the purview” of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. 

King was not satisfied, and suggested the Special Counsel did not hold rank over the United States Senate Intelligence Committee. 

“On the record I would like a legal justification for your refusal to answer the question today,” Sen. King insisted.

King then moved on to Admiral Mike Rogers, who said he had asked the White House if the administration intended to exert executive privilege over his testimony. He added he “did not get a definitive answer.”

King blasted Rogers, saying if there is no invocation of executive privilege, “Why are you not answering these questions.”

Rogers response did not go over well.

“I feel it’s inappropriate Senator,” Rogers responded.

“What you feel isn’t relevant, Admiral,” King blasted.

“I stand by the comments I’ve made, I’m not interested in repeating myself, sir,” Rogers, known sometimes for being inappropriate, stated. He then held up his hands and said, “I don’t mean that in a contentious way.”

Senator King wasn’t having it: “Well I do mean it in a contentious way,” he snapped back.

King then reminded Rogers of the oath he took when he was confirmed.

Moving on, King asked Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats what his reasoning for not answering was.

“I’m not satisfied with, ‘I do not believe it is inappropriate,’ or, ‘I do not feel I should answer.’ I want to understand a legal basis. You swore that oath,” King pounded.

“I’m not sure I have a legal basis,” Coats responded.

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