American institutions are being attacked by both foreign powers and President Donald Trump, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said Sunday.
He told CNN's Jake Tapper that Trump is eroding the checks and balances set up by the founding fathers during an interview on "State Of The Union."
The comment came after Tapper asked if a line had been crossed when Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey last week.
"I will just say that the developments of the past week, very bothersome, very disturbing to me. I think, in many ways, our institutions are under assault, both externally—and that's the big news here is the Russian interference in our election system. And I think, as well, our institutions are under assault internally," Clapper said.
"Internally from the president?" Tapper asked.
"Exactly," Clapper responded.
"Because he is firing the checks and balances?" Tapper asked.
"Well, I think, you know, the founding fathers, in their genius, created a system of three co-equal branches of government, and a built-in system of checks and balances, and I feel as though that's under assault and is eroding," Clapper said.