WASHINGTON _ President Donald Trump said Wednesday that it's "very hard for me to imagine anything happened" between Supreme Court nominee Brett M. Kavanaugh and California professor Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused him of sexually assaulting her when they both were in high school.
Trump also said the accusation is "unfair" and he doesn't believe Kavanaugh would do such a thing.
"He has an unblemished record. This is a very tough thing for him and his family," Trump said.
Still, Trump said he wants to hear from Ford. The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled an open hearing Monday to hear from both Kavanaugh and Ford.
"I really would want to see what she has to say," Trump told reporters outside the White House. "If she shows up and makes a credible showing, that would be very interesting. If she doesn't show up, that would be very unfortunate."
It is not yet clear if Ford will attend the hearing. Through an attorney, she has asked that the FBI first conduct an investigation.
Trump repeated his claim that the FBI does not investigate such allegations as part of the background check process, but that it would be up to senators to request it.
"It would seem that the FBI really doesn't do that," Trump said.
Others familiar with the process said the White House would have to request further action by the FBI.
President George H.W. Bush ordered the FBI to look into the sexual harassment allegations brought against now-Justice Clarence Thomas by professor Anita Hill during his Supreme Court confirmation process.
