Trump authorizes the FBI to interview anyone it needs to in Kavanaugh probe

(Image credit: Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images)

published 1 October 2018

The FBI investigation into Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh just expanded in scope.

The White House has authorized the FBI to interview "anyone it deems necessary" in its probe of sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh, The New York Times reports. However, the investigation still must be finished by the end of the week.

This development comes after a weekend of criticism that the probe was too narrowly focused, with the Times previously reporting that the bureau had only been instructed to interview four people, none of whom were Kavanaugh's third accuser, Julie Swetnick, or even Kavanaugh himself. During a press conference Monday, President Trump said he wants the investigation to be "very comprehensive" and would be open to the FBI interviewing more people, per ABC News. Just before The New York Times' report, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who demanded the probe last week, reportedly said during an event that he was talking with the White House about ensuring the FBI can conduct a "real investigation."

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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.

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