NWLC Responds to FBI and Trump White House’s Mishandling of Kavanaugh Investigation

(Washington, D.C.) Today, The New York Times reported on alarming details about the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s handling of sexual assault allegations made against Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearing, including interference by the Trump White House.

The following is a statement from Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center:

“Every day, survivors in this country bear the aftermath of unthinkable acts of harassment and violence, a toll they endure in their lives, their reputations, their relationships, and their careers. And for so many of them, they do so only to be retraumatized by the institutions and systems meant to protect them. Today’s revelations are a reminder of this fact, and reconfirmation of what we have known for the last three years: the Senate, the Trump White House, and the FBI grossly mishandled Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s brave testimony. 

“These recent developments demand immediate action – and it is incumbent on the Senate Judiciary Committee to do so. Without further delay, the Committee must examine and hold hearings on the handling of the investigation by the FBI and the previous administration’s White House counsel. Further, we must remember that there is no deadline on justice, and an independent Special Counsel should be appointed to investigate the underlying sexual violence allegations against Associate Justice Kavanaugh.”  

“The conduct and character of a Supreme Court justice are relevant to the lives of every single person in this country. At stake is the very legitimacy of the Court, and this nation’s trust and faith in the entire confirmation process.”