Donald Trump Orders 'Limited in Scope' FBI Investigation of Brett Kavanaugh Allegations

Donald Trump has ordered the F.B.I. to investigate sexual assault allegations made against Brett Kavanaugh, as was requested by Christine Blasey Ford and Senate Democrats on the Judiciary Committee.

“I’ve ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh’s file,” Trump said in a statement late Friday afternoon. “As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week.”

More on the latest development, which closes out a chaotic and shameful 48-hours, from the New York Times:

The decision in the Senate, made in a hurried closed-door meeting between Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, came after a dramatic reversal by Mr. Flake, who announced he would not support final confirmation until the F.B.I. investigates the allegations. […]

Republican senators who had insisted for days that no F.B.I. investigation was necessary said on Friday they were confident the agency could make quick work, and the Senate could be voting as early as next Tuesday. The bureau has looked at Judge Kavanaugh six times in the past, but it has never investigated the specific accusations raised in recent weeks.