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.
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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.
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