Rep. Adam Schiff was torched after failing to grasp the governmental chain of command in the Justice Department.

The California Democrat was schooled after he slammed acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker for updating the status of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.

Whitaker told reporters he had been “fully briefed” on Mueller’s investigation during a Department of Justice news conference on Monday.

“The investigation is, I think, close to being completed, and I hope that we can get the report from director Mueller as soon we — as possible,” Whitaker, who stepped into his role in November after Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned at the president’s request.

“I have been fully briefed on the investigation, and I look forward to director Mueller delivering the report, and I really am not going to talk about an open and ongoing investigation otherwise,” Whitaker added.

His remarks apparently set off Schiff who was appalled that Whitaker would dare to speak for the special counsel.

An Acting Attorney General who refuses to follow the advice of ethics lawyers and recuse himself from an investigation in which he has shown a clear bias is the last person who should speak for the Special Counsel. While the probe is ongoing, Mueller can speak for himself. https://t.co/7sy10bNcAF — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) January 29, 2019

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff: “I have full confidence that Bob Mueller can make the decision about when to wrap up…I have no confidence that Mr. Whitaker can make those judgements” https://t.co/6DYaLkgSNW pic.twitter.com/VUFmrFBcHR — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) January 29, 2019

The irony and lack of self-awareness were deafening.

Says the person that leaked classified info from a closed hearing! — Mike (@michaeljashmore) January 29, 2019

For the record, and in the spirit of truth, Adam Schiff is a partisan hack that is in love ? with his own words and image on the silver screen… ? If he had any ethics whatsoever he would keep a gag in his mouth like he lectures to the conservatives… — Marc English (@buymyproperties) January 29, 2019

The Democrat was not alone, however, as it seems many on the left were equally flustered by Whitaker.

Why is AG Whitaker commenting on an ongoing investigation? This seems inappropriate. What if Mueller finds additional leads and evidence from Roger Stone? @MattWhitaker46 should not be rushing Mueller. The investigation must be done right, without political interference. https://t.co/ONcYgxQ68y — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 28, 2019

This is exactly why Whitaker should have recused himself from overseeing the SCO probe. We should be able to have faith & trust that the AG is acting in the interests finding the truth & not (as many will be) skeptical that he is in some way pressuring Mueller to wrap it up. — Mimi Rocah (@Mimirocah1) January 28, 2019

Sen. Coons says it’s “chilling” to hear Matt Whitaker say there would be a review of Mueller report “I don’t have full confidence that the acting attorney general Whitaker intends to respect the independence of the special counsel and simply support and sustain“ Mueller report — Manu Raju (@mkraju) January 28, 2019

It is absolutely unforgiveable that Whitaker is in any position to know anything about the Mueller investigation,let alone claim to be “reviewing” it. He has just about as much business doing that as a fox does in a henhouse. Unconstitutional, unwise, and will ultimately undo him https://t.co/dKNw1wwfQV — Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) January 29, 2019

The scramble to call for Whitaker to recuse himself was immediate as were the ridiculous comments like Schiff’s that the acting attorney general should not be involved with Mueller.

Just a reminder that it’s completely inappropriate for Whitaker to have any involvement in this investigation. https://t.co/Mkl8WqwFIN — David Cicilline (@davidcicilline) January 28, 2019

Seems Democrats may not actually want the investigation to come to an end.

Adam was hoping it would go on forever. — Mr. Mister (@mister_legit) January 29, 2019

Thankfully there was a coalition of Twitter users who were able to deliver a civics lesson to the lawmakers and other clueless liberals.

Mueller reports to Whitaker you nitwit. — Common Sense (@Paine_1776) January 29, 2019

Mr Schiff Whittaker is the acting AG if you didn’t know congressman. With that he is in charge of the special council. The deep state special council doesn’t operate with unfettered power if you didn’t know. — Adam Leonard (@AdamLeo24699204) January 29, 2019

? last time Mueller spoke for himself he said that Buzzfeed printed fake news and you STILL said you would investigate their bogus claims. Thank goodness we have an acting AG that understands who is in charge here, and it isn’t Mueller. He is an employee. https://t.co/lkwFjabOaN — Shem Horne (@Shem_Infinite) January 29, 2019

He’s kind of Mueller’s boss, so yes he can. — Lance Dragan (@jthunders13) January 29, 2019

So the boss cannot comment because he dared ever to comment on the largest investigation going on? But Mueller can hire ex Clinton aides and lawyers and you have no problem with that conflict. Got it, hypocrites gonna be hypocrites. #LiberalismIsAMentalDisorder — Gary ?? (@buckeyes1980) January 29, 2019