Brett Kavanaugh confirmation – LIVE: Mitch McConnell hits out at Democrats saying they are ‘untrustworthy’ and wanted ‘media circus’ around Christine Ford
Follow the latest updates on the FBI investigation into claims of sexual assault against the Supreme Court nominee and the political back and forth in Washington
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court has been delayed as the FBI carry out a "limited" additional background check after Republicans were blind-sided by one of their senators who said his vote for the nominee was dependent on such a probe.
Donald Trump later said it "wouldn't bother me at all" if the scope of the investigation was 'expanded' to include interviews of all three of his nominee's accusers and Mr Kavanaugh himself.
Last week's explosive testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee of Dr Christine Blasey Ford, who alleges a drunken Mr Kavanaugh sexually abused her at a college party in 1982, was hotly contested by Mr Kavanaugh in his counter-testimony.
He appeared angry and had several tense exchanges with committee Democrats, accusing them of doing this as a matter of "revenge" and simply to smear his name.
Please allow a moment for our liveblog to load
In the latest twist in the story, Chad Ludington, a former Yale classmate of Mr Kavanaugh, has accused him of seriously misrepresenting his drinking as a student, calling him a “belligerent and aggressive” drunk.
The FBI's investigation is to last no longer than a week from the day from when the original vote on the nominee was supposed to take place, meaning it will conclude at the end of this week.
It is unclear if the investigation could be expanded should more accusers come forward.
Democrats and Dr Ford are particularly keen on Mark Judge to be interviewed, the man she claimed was present in the room during the alleged assault. Two other women have also accused Mr Kavanaugh - Julie Swetnick and Deborah Ramirez.
"Even if you are going to bring up some of the subjects that were brought up...you didn't have to treat him so viciously and so violently" as Democrats did, Mr Trump said before ending the long-ranging press conference.
It has been alleged Mr Kavanaugh lied to the Senate about the nature of his drinking habits.
His former Yale classmate Chad Ludington said Mr Kavanaugh was lying about how he only enjoyed drinking beer, but never did so to the point of excess or "blacking out".
Mr Ludington called the nominee a "belligerent and aggressive" drunk.
Mr Trump said: "I really believe that [Mr Kavanaugh] was very strong on the fact that he drank a lot, so I don't know if there would be a big discrepancy".
Mr Trump said "this is not a man who said he was perfect" and noted he "was surprised" at how open Mr Kavanaugh had been about his "difficulties" with drinking despite his testimony repeatedly suggesting he did not have a problem with alcohol.
To recap, Mr Trump has said he "wants [the FBI] to do a very comprehensive investigation" and indicated it "wouldn't bother me at all" to have all Mr Kavanaugh's accusers interviewed by the bureau to facilitate a swift end to the confirmation process.
Read more here from our Andrew Buncombe in DC:
Mr Trump's suggestion Mr Kavanaugh had a "difficulties" with drinking are telling. The president himself is a teetotaler by all accounts due to his family history of alcoholism.
Mr Kavanaugh has not responded to the comment as yet, but it remains to be seen if this was some sort of political blunder or a real indication Mr Kavanaugh may have lied to the Senate.
The person who was responsible for starting the FBI investigation and delaying the vote - whilst adding to Mr Trump's apparent frustration with the length of the confirmation process - was Republican Senator Jeff Flake.
Mr Flake, speaking with his personal friend Democratic Senator Chris Coons, that there "is no incentive" for compromise across political lines anymore.
However, he noted "not running for re-election" was what helped him do so.
Mr Kavanaugh has denied Ms Ramirez's accusation and called Ms Swetnick's "a joke" during his testimony last week.
Ms Swetnick, through lawyer Michael Avenatti, accused Mr Kavanaugh was part of a gang rape ring in the Washington, DC area.
Mr Avenatti also represents Stormy Daniels, the adult film actress suing Mr Trump. The pair allegedly had an affair in 2006 and she claimed the president never signed a non-disclosure agreement preventing her from speaking about.
Ms Ramirez has alleged the Supreme Court nominee exposed himself to her at a party in 1980s while the two were students at Yale.
Mr Avenatti has said Ms Swetnick is yet to be contacted for an FBI interview as nine Senators co-sign a letter asking for the investigation to include all three accusers.
Here's a full list of the 24 people Democrats think the FBI should interview:
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments