WASHINGTON _ Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday told reporters at the Capitol that he did not think an independent prosecutor was necessary to investigate potential collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.
"The facts that are in public today are very clear," Pence said in an interview televised by CNN.
"The former director of DNI has said there is no evidence of collusion," Pence added, though that misstated what James Clapper, former director of national intelligence, has testified.
Pence defended Comey's ouster against accusations that it was designed to halt the Russia investigation, repeatedly praising Trump's "decisive action" and leadership.
"The president made the right decision at the right time," Pence said.
Pence repeated the White House talking point that the decision was based on the recommendation of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. He said Trump has begun evaluating potential replacements.
"The simple fact is Director Comey had lost the support of the American people," Pence said.
