Vice President Mike Pence discussed the firing of FBI Director James Comey during a visit to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, reiterating the administration's denial of any collusion with Russia and remarking that it was "time for a fresh start at the FBI."
After being asked if President Trump's decision to dismiss Comey was made in an effort to impede the FBI's ongoing Russia investigation, Pence responded forcefully.
"As you know very clearly and has been stated repeatedly and the president has been told, he's not under investigation, and as former Director Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, said, there is no evidence of collusion between our campaign and any Russian officials," he said.
Pence also said Comey had lost the confidence of the American people to lead an effective law enforcement agency.
"The simple fact is Director Comey had lost the confidence of the American people," he said. "The support that I heard from members of the Senate today when I was over by the Senate chamber, the support for the president's decision that's being expressed in this Capitol building and around the country, I think is reflective of the fact."
"It was time for a fresh start at the FBI," Pence continued. "And I think the president did as he's done in so many other cases. He took decisive action. He provided strong leadership."
Trump's decision to fire Comey set off a political firestorm on Tuesday. Democrats blasted the move as "Nixonian," and some Republicans criticized the decision and its timing as well.