'Spygate is a lie!' CNN panel erupts as Trump backer tries to justify president's conspiracy theories

CNN contributor Scott Jennings tried to defend the investigation over President Donald Trump's baseless claim that federal authorities planted a "spy" in his presidential campaign. But he received a verbal lashing from one of his fellow panelists.

White House lawyer Emmet Flood made an unexpected appearance at a classified briefing by the FBI and intelligence officials Thursday. But Jennings insisted there was nothing illegal about him showing up.

"It is made to seem like Emmet Flood showed up today and did something untoward," he insisted. "... he showed up and said hello. He said hello."

But MoveOn spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said whether Flood technically broke the law or not was besides the point.

She described Trump as a lying conspiracy theorist, who was using this issue to distract from Robert Mueller's Russia probe.

"He is muddying the waters because he doesn't want the investigation," Jean-Pierre explained.

"Spygate is a lie," Jean-Pierre said as a fellow panelist tried to argue over her. "Just like Obama wiretapping Trump Tower."

Watch the panel below: