FBI Director James Comey came under fire this week after he refused to state whether the bureau is investigating reports of contacts between Donald Trump’s campaign and the Russian government. Comey repeatedly told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that he was not free to comment on an open investigation. That drew fire from Democrats, as well as Maine independent Senator Angus King, who pointed to a letter Comey made public just days before the November election stating the FBI had reopened an investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server. This is Senator King questioning Comey.

Sen. Angus King: “You didn’t say one way or another whether even there’s an investigation underway.”

James Comey: “Correct. I don’t—especially in a public forum, we never confirm or deny a pending investigation.”

Sen. Angus King: “The irony of—”

James Comey: “I’m not saying—”

Sen. Angus King: “The irony of your making that statement here, I cannot avoid.”