The White House reportedly hasn't authorized the FBI to interview Kavanaugh and Ford
The FBI's investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Brett Kavanaugh may not actually involve an interview with him or his accuser Christine Blasey Ford.
Bloomberg reports that the FBI has not talked with Ford or Kavanaugh yet because the bureau doesn't have "clear authority" from the White House to do so. The White House has reportedly suggested to the FBI that Ford and Kavanaugh's sworn testimony from last week is enough and that no interview is necessary. It's unclear whether the FBI is seeking approval to conduct these interviews, Bloomberg notes.
CNN is reporting a similar story, saying Ford and Kavanaugh aren't on the list of people the White House told the FBI to interview. The FBI is conducting this background investigation into Kavanaugh after Ford accused him of groping her and attempting to rape her in high school. Two other women have also accused Kavanaugh of misconduct, one of whom, Deborah Ramirez, the FBI has interviewed, per CBS News. Ramirez alleges Kavanaugh exposed himself to her during a party in college. Kavanaugh has denied this and all of the other allegations.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Initially, the White House reportedly gave the FBI a list of four people to speak with, none of whom were Ford or Kavanaugh. Then, on Monday, The New York Times reported that the White House had given the FBI authority to interview "anyone it deems necessary." Still, Bloomberg reports the FBI is restricted by its mandate to only investigate "credible allegations of sexual misconduct." Ford's lawyer has said it was "inconceivable" that the FBI would conclude its investigation without speaking to her, per HuffPost. Read more at Bloomberg.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
'A direct, protracted war with Israel is not something Iran is equipped to fight'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 17, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - political anxiety, jury sorting hat, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Arid Gulf states hit with year's worth of rain
Speed Read The historic flooding in Dubai is tied to climate change
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How will Israel respond to Iran's direct attack?
Speed Read Iran’s weekend attack on Israel could escalate into a wider Middle East war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikes
Speed Read An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Congress honors real-life Rosie the Riveters
Speed Read These American women reshaped the work force during World War II
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Outgunned Ukraine could fall, US general warns
Speed Read Without more US aid, Ukraine is at risk of losing the war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
House GOP scuttles FISA vote at Trump's urging
Speed Read Right-wing lawmakers blocked Speaker Mike Johnson's surveillance bill
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published