According to former NSA Director James Clapper, Watergate “pales” in comparison to the controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s alleged ties to Russia.

Clapper, who served under the Obama administration from 2010 to 2017, gave this statement at a National Press Club event in Canberra, Australia, reflecting on his personal experience living through Watergate.

“I was on active duty then, in the Air Force, as a young officer, and it was a scary time. But it was against the backdrop of all the post-Vietnam trauma as well, which seemed at least in my memory amplified – as a backdrop – amplified the crisis in our system,” stated Clapper.

“I have to say, though,” continued Clapper, “that I think when you compare the two, that Watergate pales really in my view compared to what we’re confronting now.”

During the event, the former NSA Director also shared his concerns about “the internal assault on our institutions.” He specifically cited a tweet President Trump made on January 11 stating: “Intelligence agencies should never have allowed this fake news to “leak” into the public. One last shot at me. Are we living in Nazi Germany?”

Clapper also saw the firing of FBI Director James Comey as harmful to the FBI. He asserted that Comey was a “distinguished public servant,” criticizing Trump’s decision to fire him.

“Apart from the egregious, inexcusable manner in which it was conducted, this episode reflected complete disregard for the independence and autonomy of the FBI, our premier law enforcement organization,” continued Clapper. “So, as I said, I worry about these assaults on our institutions.”

Clapper, calling Trump’s tweet an “absurd allegation” that “disparaged” the intelligence community, stated that he “felt an obligation to defend the men and women of the United States intelligence community. So, I called him on 11 January. Surprisingly, (Trump) took my call.”

“I tried, naively it turned out, to appeal to his ‘higher instincts’ – by pointing out that the intelligence community he was about to inherit is a national treasure and that the people in it were committed to supporting him and making him successful,” Clapper continued.

However, instead of contradicting Clapper, Trump simply asked him to publicly denounce the ‘dossier’ that the FBI used in its Russia probe. Clapper refused to do so.

At the Australian press event, Clapper also criticized a speech Trump gave in January in front of a memorial wall at the CIA headquarters honoring the 117 CIA employees who have died in the line of duty.

“He chose to use that as a prop for railing about the size of the inauguration crowd on the Mall, and his battle with the ‘fake news’ media. His subsequent actions – sharing sensitive intelligence with the Russians, and compromising its source, reflect ignorance or disrespect – are likewise very problematic,” he said.

Because of these assaults against government intelligence and institutions, Clapper asserted that it is “absolutely crucial for the United States, and for that matter for the world, for this presidency, for the Republicans, for the Democrats and for our nation at large, that we get to the bottom of this,” referring to the Russia probe.

“Is there a smoking gun with all the smoke? I don’t know the answer to that. I think it’s vital, though, we find out.”

This press conference with Clapper occurred just before Comey’s scheduled testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The testimony will add to the committee’s investigation into the Trump administration and Russian interference in the 2016 election.

“I’m very interested to see what happens with Jim Comey’s hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee,” added Clapper. “What I think will be very significant to see, both what he says, and what he is asked about and doesn’t respond to.” About Brielle Entzminger I am a lover of dance, books, and coffee with way too much sugar. I have been dancing since I was three and am trained in multiple styles, including tap! I also love reading, listening to music, watching Netflix, and hanging out with friends. I am a huge fan of Lana Del Rey and Halsey, and I am in love with Criminal Minds. Finally, I have a great love for traveling. I have been to Europe two times, and I plan to study abroad in France next year, where I will test out (and hopefully improve) my French skills. I hope to travel to many more countries in the future, making fun, unforgettable memories along the way.