White House Allows FBI to Expand Kavanaugh Inquiry

The directive reportedly instructed investigators to interview anyone necessary
By Josh Gardner,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 1, 2018 4:44 PM CDT
White House Allows FBI to Expand Kavanaugh Inquiry
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference on trade.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A White House directive has reportedly given the FBI broad authorization to interview anyone necessary in its investigation into President Trump's Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh. Sources tell the New York Times the move came after Democrats criticized the White House's call for an investigation of sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh that was narrow in scope. What's more, Democrats have also previously suggested the White House barred investigators from speaking to specific people related to the case. Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House on Monday, where he said “the FBI should interview anybody that they want within reason, but you have to say within reason."

However, Trump reaffirmed his support of his nominee and characterized the allegations against him and ensuing outcry "so unfair" while also sticking to his requirement that the investigation, which Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona first demanded, be completed within days. Though the president has asked that the investigation be "comprehensive" and says he's comfortable with investigators sitting down with Kavanaugh himself and speaking with additional accusers who've come forward, he stressed that it must all be done by the end of the week. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell promised from the Senate floor Monday that the vote will take place this week, while accusing Democrats of obstruction. "The time for endless delay and obstruction has come to a close," McConnell said, per the AP. Meanwhile, a lawyer for Mark Judge says the FBI has spoken to him. (More Brett Kavanaugh stories.)

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