The House Benghazi committee had a fiery session Thursday after Hillary Rodham Clinton was brought before them to answer questions about the scandal — but many are arguing it’s simply an attempt by Republicans to smear a Democratic presidential candidate.

Republicans on the panel spent the hearing trying to prove that a request for more security at the embassy, where four Americans were killed in an attack on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 back in 2012, fell on deaf ears, according to an NJ.com report.

But Democrats at the hearing fired back, complaining that the investigation was clearly politically motivated and a transparent attempt to damage Clinton’s presidential aspirations. Still, they will remain on the panel.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said the panel learning “absolutely nothing” during the hearing, which last 11 hours and was the culmination of 17 months of investigation.

Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), the chairman of the committee, felt the need to respond to these accusations, claiming that he was primarily focused on facts and not politics.

However, some in his own party have criticized the committee. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy suggested that there was indeed a connection between this investigation and the upcoming presidential race.

Americans aren’t on their side either, with a recent survey indicating that 72 percent of respondents believe the panel is politically motivated.