Schumer Backs Kavanaugh Accuser’s Call for FBI Investigation
Christine Blasey Ford wants bureau to open probe before she testifies
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is backing a call by Christine Blasey Ford, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s accuser, for a FBI investigation into her contention that the nominee sexually assaulted her 36 years ago.
“An immediate FBI investigation is not only consistent with precedent, it is also quite clearly the right thing to do,” the New York Democrat said in a statement. “Dr. Ford’s call for the FBI to investigate also demonstrates her confidence that when all the facts are examined by an impartial investigation, her account will be further corroborated and confirmed.”
Schumer called on Senate Republicans and President Donald Trump to “drop their inexplicable opposition to an FBI investigation, allow all the facts to come out, and then proceed with a fair process in the Senate.”
As he exited the White House on Wednesday on his way to the hurricane-soaked Carolinas, Trump again told reporters “it would seem the FBI doesn’t really do that.”
The president also again said he will “let the senators take their course,” noting they have given the matter “tremendous amounts of time.
And he again showed sympathy for the nominee but his accuser, saying Kavanaugh has been “treated very, very tough”
“I think it’s a very unfair thing, what’s going on,” he said.
But Trump also said that he “really would want to see what she has to say,” referring to Ford.
“I want to give it all the time they need,” he said.
On Tuesday, the president had said he would not mind a bureau investigation but repeated his stance that FBI officials have told him since no federal crime is in question, opening an investigation would be out of their purview.
“Now, they have done, supposedly, six background checks over the years, as Judge Kavanaugh has gone beautifully up a ladder,” Trump said during a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart, showing sympathy for the accuser but not the accused. “He’s an incredible individual. Great intellect, great judge. Impeccable history in every way, in every way.”
Ford has informed the Senate Judiciary Committee she wants a FBI investigation started before she agrees to appear before the panel. A public hearing is slated for Monday morning, with Chairman Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, saying he intends to move forward with that sessions with or without Ford. Watch: Can Trump Resist Lighting the Fuse Ahead of Kavanaugh’s Senate Showdown?
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