Former CIA director James Clapper was plainspoken at Australia's National Press Club about the current issues with Donald Trump, Russian election meddling, and the looming national crisis.

"I think (if) you compare the two that Watergate pales really in my view compared to what we're confronting now," Clapper told his audience.

According to NBC, he also said that Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey was a reflection of "complete disregard for the independence..and autonomy" of the FBI.

Clapper also expressed serious concern about Trump sharing classified intelligence with Russian diplomats, which he viewed as "either ignorance or disrespect," noting that "either is very problematic."

Clapper wasn't shy about expressing his worry over what is happening right now. "I am very concerned about the assault on our institutions coming from both an external source — read Russia — and an internal source — the president himself," he said.