President Trump on Monday said he is keeping an “open mind” to the results of the FBI investigation into Supreme Court hopeful Brett Kavanaugh — while denouncing what he says has been “horrible” treatment of an “outstanding person.”
“Certainly if they find something, I’m going to take that into consideration. Absolutely. I have a very open mind. The person that takes that position is going to be there for a long time. I have a very open mind,” Trump told reporters in a press conference outside the White House.
“I think he’s an outstanding person and has been treated horribly. Even if you are going to bring up some of the subjects that were brought up, they didn’t have to treat him so viciously and violently as they treated him.”
In an extended back-and-forth with reporters on questions about the week-long investigation into sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh, Trump addressed reports that the probe will be limited in its scope and won’t involve interviewing Julie Swetnick — the third woman to accuse the judge of misconduct.
The president said “it wouldn’t bother” him if the agency did speak with her, so long as it’s over “quickly.”
“I heard that the third one has — I have no idea if this is true — has very little credibility. If there is credibility, interview the third one,” Trump said.
The president insisted he did not place any limits on the investigation — but acknowledged he did instruct the FBI to stick to the parameters dictated by Senate Republicans.
“I’m instructing them as for what the Senate wants. The Senate is making the decision and I am instructing them as for what the Senate is looking for,” Trump said.
Trump also accused Senate Democrats of hypocrisy for their treatment of Kavanaugh, claiming they are “not angels” themselves.
“I know United States senators. One on the other side who is pretty aggressive. I have seen that person in very bad situations. Okay?” he said, but later refused to name the person, quipping that he would save it for a book “like everybody else.”
“I have seen that person in very, very bad situations. Somewhat compromising.”
But he did call out some members of the Senate Judiciary Committee by name for telling their own tall tales.
“Look at [Richard] Blumenthal. He lied about Vietnam … he never went to Vietnam and he is up there saying ‘We need honesty’ and ‘We need integrity,'” Trump said.
