After being asked about Mueller, Whitaker tells Judiciary Committee chairman 'your five minutes is up'

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Friday got off to a contentious start.

Committee Chair Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) at one point during the hearing asked Whitaker whether he has been asked to approve any of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's requests or actions. In a stunning moment, Whitaker replied, "Mr. Chairman, I see that your five minutes is up." Those in attendance for the hearing were clearly shocked, and a mixture of laughs and gasps filled the room.

"I am here voluntarily," Whitaker continued as Nadler chucked to himself, apparently in disbelief at this unusual scene. "We agreed to five minute rounds." Nadler pointed out that the committee "didn't enforce the five-minute rule" up until that point, and asked him to "answer the question, please." Whitaker finally did provide an answer, saying he has "not interfered in any way" with the Mueller investigation. Watch the moment below.

Jerry Nadler asks Matthew Whitaker if he has ever been asked to approve any request or action to be taken by the Special Counsel.

Whitaker: "Mr. Chairman, I see that your five minutes is up."

The response in the room is remarkable. Via CSPAN2 pic.twitter.com/UAcOyulX46

— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 8, 2019