White House limits scope of the FBI's Kavanaugh investigation

[Judi Lynn]

Source: NBC News

White House limits scope of the FBI's Kavanaugh investigation
Ken Dilanian and Geoff Bennett and Kristen Welker and Frank Thorp V and Hallie Jackson and Leigh Ann Caldwell 36 mins ago

WASHINGTON — The White House is limiting the scope of the FBI's investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, multiple people briefed on the matter told NBC News.

While the FBI will examine the allegations of Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez, the bureau has not been permitted to investigate the claims of Julie Swetnick, who has accused Kavanaugh of engaging in sexual misconduct at parties while he was a student at Georgetown Preparatory School in the 1980s, those people familiar with the investigation told NBC News. A White House official confirmed that Swetnick's claims will not be pursued as part of the reopened background investigation into Kavanaugh.

Ford said in Senate testimony Thursday that she was "100 percent" certain that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her when they were both in high school. Ramirez alleged that he exposed himself to her when there were students at Yale. Kavanaugh has staunchly denied allegations from Ford, Ramirez and Swetnick.

Instead of investigating Swetnick's claims, the White House counsel's office has given the FBI a list of witnesses they are permitted to interview, according to several people who discussed the parameters on the condition of anonymity. They characterized the White House instructions as a significant constraint on the FBI investigation and caution that such a limited scope, while not unusual in normal circumstances, may make it difficult to pursue additional leads in a case in which a Supreme Court nominee has been accused of sexual assault.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/white-house-limits-scope-of-the-fbis-kavanaugh-investigation/ar-BBNIplf?li=BBnb7Kz

[DRoseDARs]

1. So he IS a serial rapist! Christ, how many women has he raped? nt

[getagrip_already]

2. yes - it's the one accusation they know will kill his nomination

so they want zero credibility added to it.

There needs to be an outcry that this is a rigged investigation. Not what was asked for.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

47. Because perjury wouldn't? Being a confirmed RW conspiracy hack wouldn't?

[getagrip_already]

55. pretty much.....

They haven't killed it yet. Neither has sexual assault. That was pretty much proven during the hearings.

But the gang rape story has them rattled. even his backers were gobstopped when that came out. But it seems they think they can beat the rap on gang rape as long as they keep her from getting credibility.

Hopefully avenetti can change that.

[Fred Sanders]

3. The thing is if any "limited investigation" opens any other criminal trail the FBI WILL follow it.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

31. I thought the DOJ was independent from the president.

To tell the FBI, "You can look here, but not there," sounds like Mushroom Dick saying Mueller can't investigate his business dealings, even though those may be key to understanding the Russians' control over Trump.

[Fred Sanders]

37. This type of limitation is probably a legal overreach since this is follow up to a first background

investigation that did not reveal - is there a public or private report? - sexual misconduct or a general debauchery...I guess.

So this is under the same legal authority...since the first could not be limited except as limited by law, how can Trump legally limit this followup?

FBI lawyers likely asking the same question.

[mcar]

4. So it was a con all along

[Fred Sanders]

5. No way to tell yet...what the FBI will find at the margins and be obligated to persue.

A limited list of questions? How would that work?

Is Rudy going to be sitting in on all interviews?

[getagrip_already]

10. they won't persue anything - they are just documenting what the witnesses say...

And they can only speak to specific people.

So if they call me and I tell them I don't know anything, but jane doe has direct knowledge and is willing to speak, they wouldn't call her. They would document I said it and pass it along to the senate.

The senate has already voted it out of committee, so they won't call any more witnesses or investigate further.

The only thing that will change anything is if the gang of four is still spooked and won't vote to confirm.

[Glimmer of Hope]

6. Can they do this? The FBI can't ignore evidence

Of another crime and not follow up, can they?

[getagrip_already]

11. yes, it's not a federal crime, and they aren't investigating.....

they are doing background checks. very different.

This is only an interview process. It isn't an investigation. They are VERY different.

[Glimmer of Hope]

22. I see. Thanks.

[Achilleaze]

7. OK, media. This is up to you. Dirty Donny* got the clamps on

Time for people to come forward, and true stories to be told.

[LiberalArkie]

8. I am wondering if the same FBI agents will be used that are always called on the carpet

for hiring callgirls in South America?

[TryLogic]

24. I think those were Secret Service Agents.

[bucolic_frolic]

9. If you don't get to the bottom of all of it

what good is a limited investigation?

I still say it's an attempt to appear to be doing something while doing almost nothing at all, for the elections. What are they going to find after all that testimony? They don't agree on what happened. We already know that.

[getagrip_already]

13. optics and cover.....

"The dems wanted an fbi check, we gave them one;. nothing was found. now vote to confirm."

[pangaia]

17. getting to the bottom of it all is not the purpose.

It is all a crock of shit.

believe it..

[Lonestarblue]

12. Swetnick's allegation is the most damaging.

Asserting that you saw a future nominee to the Supreme Court standing in line for his turn to rape a drugged teenager will automatically disqualify Kavanaugh if even one more person corroborates. We need to call and send messages to Flake, Murkowski, and Collins protesting this hamstringing of the FBI in doing their work.

[getagrip_already]

14. time to release the kraken......

avanati in this case.

[mr_lebowski]

39. It's more because it's Trumps sworn enemy Stormy's lawyer than it is her allegation being

the most damaging.

IMHO.

Swetnick did not 'witness' Kavanaugh doing anything wrong. She has legally declared that she surmises that Kavanaugh was 'in line' for what she surmises what a rape scenario.

That's 2 suppositions on her part.

Look, I feel terrible for what happened to her, but she has no direct evidence that Kavanaugh played any part in anything illegal. She has 'innuendo', and that's just ... how it is. Sorry.

IMHO, she should go on 60 minutes this weekend (if she so desires), because the FBI isn't going to talk to her in this case.

[pangaia]

15. Sorry folks. This whole FBI investigation thing is a crock.

Knew it from the beginning..
Not blaming the FBI.. bit the fuckers with a R after their name..

[getagrip_already]

16. The one wild card here is whether they interview mark judge and...

whether he offers answers to questions they don't ask.

He might just dump his guts. But that isn't likely. It's more likely he will only answer questions he is directly asked, and only with the least amount of information he can provide.

He isn't likely to incriminate either rapie-mcrape-face or himself.

[bucolic_frolic]

18. He sure doesn't want to lie to the FBI

and he doesn't want to conceal either, it's about the same thing

This is just an exercise to dull the impact of Dr. Ford's testimony in the public's mind by delaying the votes

[Sucha NastyWoman]

27. I thought I heard it said that he didn't have to answer at all if he chooses not to

Anybody know if this is correct?

[bucolic_frolic]

30. I think that's probably correct

One doesn't have to talk to a Federal agent. But don't lie to one, or be half-truthful. That's what I always heard.

[getagrip_already]

35. the interviews are voluntary... but

he has already said he will cooperate if asked.

He may not be one of the people they are authorized to call though.

[TryLogic]

32. If Judge has done a lot of work dealing with addiction(s), he may welcome the chance

to speak the truth and try to make some things right with people he hurt, etc. Apparently a former girl friend said he seemed to feel very badly when he told her about some things like the current issues being looked at. And Dr Ford reported seeing him look sick and ashamed at the grocery store. A serious addiction problem may also relate to a severe problem with guilt. I am hoping for some more truth.

[procon]

19. No need for a cover up like this unless the crimes are even worse! nt

[Paladin]

20. Ain't going to help, in the end.

Kavanaugh is already judicial, political, and historical refuse. Whether he gets on the Court or not, he has a permanent asterisk by his name, and it's not going away.

[Mr.Bill]

21. I hope if the FBI ever investigates me

they are limited to one week and some one advocating for me can tell them who they can and cannot interview.

[getagrip_already]

25. I've been through it.....

It isn't an investigation. They are just documenting what you told them is true. Nothing more.

If for some reason they trip accross a crime, they would merely document it and refer it for further investigation. But the report won't include a conclusion that a crime was committed. Just that somebody said you did x, y, and z.

So they ask you for the names of people you knew at each address you've lived, places you have worked, and other parts of your life. They then call them and ask them a bunch of general questions about things that might dq you.

They don't call everyone you ever might have known. Only the people you identify to them.

That's all this is. They have a list of names and they will call them about a specific topic.

It will be over by Monday. It may already be over.

[Jedi Guy]

56. Yep, it's pretty much just another background check.

I had to go through it twice when I worked for a police department. They want a list of all your relatives, all your friends, everywhere you've lived, everywhere you've worked. They just go down the list and contact the people you've indicated, and ask them about your character, history, etc.

I don't think this FBI business is going to change a thing, ultimately. It's conjecture, surmise, and innuendo, with not a shred of hard evidence to back up the claims of either side. Unless a miracle happens, the FBI is gonna say, "Yep, we looked into it, couldn't find any evidence one way or another." With no hard proof of guilt, Kavanaugh benefits from the presumption of innocence.

While I have no wish to see Kavanaugh become a Justice, I also have no wish for the presumption of innocence to become a thing of the past.

I can also sympathize somewhat with Kavanaugh's anger and aggression during his testimony. He was facing people who'd already made up their minds that he was guilty before any testimony had been heard. I'd have been pissed off, too. He'd have done better to communicate the anger without lashing out though, in my opinion.

[George II]

23. They probably can't talk to Swetnick because she's Avenatti's client.

[spooky3]

26. Stupid strategy on WH's part. They have just unleashed

Avenatti to go all out in the court of public opinion. Might be an interesting Joy Reid show tomorrow.

[TryLogic]

34. Swetnick alleged serious crimes which can and should be investigated by local police.

I forgot which state, and the question of statute of limitations.

[DeminPennswoods]

50. MD, but the law governing the crime would be the ones in effect

at the time the crime occurred. I don't know what the MD law was regarding sexual assault in the 1980s, that, apparently was as a misdemeanor with a 1 yr statute of limitations.

[Bayard]

28. More obstruction

[Me.]

29. Hello 60 Minutes

[getagrip_already]

33. If this is accurate, the fbi has probbably already finished it's calls

They will take a few hours to make sure they transcribed it correctly and have the forms reviewed, but it's probably done.

At the latest, the senate will have the reports monday morning. They will probably vote to confirm the same day, just so we can't get any public opinion mobilized.

Heck, they might do it tomorrow, since they kept the senators in town anyway.

[TryLogic]

36. Not sure how any woman or humane man could vote for him. And what about his temperment?

Republicans would be absolute fools to put him on the Supreme Court. They may be thinking that Clarence Thomas got away with it, so this will all blow over. HA!

[DeminPennswoods]

49. Senate's out of session for the weekend

No one's home until Monday afternoon.

[getagrip_already]

52. I thought the turtle kept them around this weekend?

cruz cancelled his debate with beto because mconnell told them to be around.

[DeminPennswoods]

54. He did, but no point since there's a 1 week delay now

nt

[turbinetree]

38. Hey, Don McGahn and your sexual predator boss..............the serial liar and Russian hack.....

You do realize, that you and your client cannot with hold what is found in this inquiry, and be selective in the what is submitted to the public purview, and you do realize that he perjured himself again, at least ten times, and he refused to answer YES or NO when asked direct questions ....................he had no right to plead the fucking fifth when direct questions were asked to him to answer in the interview.....................before the senate committee, your lackey, McConnell may fucking think so ............and if you think that individuals that are going to be asked to answer what happened in the days past..................they realize the ramifications, of five years in jail.....................does your client(s) realize this....................or do you think the silver spoon is the rule of law?...................................we will wait and see.........................it is not going to happen again...................

[getagrip_already]

40. report on raw story says trump denied fbi authority to get records from judge's employment at safewa

That could corroborate her testimony. So they can't look into it.

This is more and more of a con job every minute.

[muriel_volestrangler]

41. How can the White House claim to know all the people who need to be interviewed

unless they have actually already investigated and not released their findings? This is a blatant cover-up.

[truthisfreedom]

42. Calling all cops! This president can't silence everyone. He's an idiot

to believe it’s a good idea to put limits on the fbi. They’ll just enlist local cops to investigate further leads.

[cstanleytech]

43. Obstructing an FBI investigation?

[Owl]

44. It's a cover-up. Hell needs to be raised!!

[Jarqui]

45. Hopefully, the FBI can use this. Trump "They (FBI) have free rein"

Link to tweet

[riversedge]

60. I long for the day when we have a Pres. who does not lie to our faces.

[Jarqui]

61. That's one of the key reasons why I miss the president we previously had

Talked to a very conservative friend last night - very right leaning. We talk a lot about Trump - he hates him.

He almost shocked me though and I've known him for 50 years so there is not too much at this point that should surprise ...

He said that he thought President Obama was the best president of his lifetime. That's something coming from a Republican.

[SayItLoud]

46. Not going to be something that slips under the Michael Avanatti radar....buckle up.

[DeminPennswoods]

48. This is a stupid strategy

First, they've guaranteed Avenatti's client will do a well-publicized interview. Then all he11 will break loose.

Second, the FBI might not be able to interview people, but there are plenty of investigative reporters who will and who will also find the Safeway store manager from the time in question or other employees who will verify when Judge worked there. They'll find the house, too.

I'd also be surprised if the FBI doesn't just ignore McGahn because he's not their boss. .

I have to wonder why McGahn is so invested in Kavanaugh. I'm thinking it's McGahn, not Trump, who needs his a$$ saved by Kavanaugh.

[OnDoutside]

51. Your move now, Mr Avenatti....

[riverbendviewgal]

57. Media must investigate

While there is still a free press. There must be headlines of truth.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

53. I love the smell of whitewash in the morning. It smells like winning.

ShoutyJobSeekingHat Retweeted:

This looks to me like an attempt to define the scope of the investigation as narrowly as the White House thought it could get away with. Placing artificial constraints on the FBI is unwarranted—the FBI should have determined what allegations merited investigation.

Link to tweet

Unreal. WH limits scope of FBI probe to complicate effort to place Mark Judge at Safeway that summer, which could bolster Christine Ford's credibility, NBC reports. Also off limits: Examining Kav's account of his drinking. @JeffFlake is getting scammed: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/white-house-limits-scope-fbi-s-investigation-allegations-against-brett-n915061 …

Link to tweet

Greg Sargent Retweeted:

The White House barred the FBI from looking into Kavanaugh’s heavy drinking at Yale—which he lied about to the Senate, and which is clearly probative of his accusers’ credibility. This investigation is already starting to sound like a sham. Flake shouldn’t tolerate this.

Link to tweet

Even worse: the WH Counsel’s Office — led by Kavanaugh’s top WH ally — “has given the FBI a list of witnesses they are permitted to interview.”

Link to tweet

Holy cow. This too: "The White House counsel’s office has given the FBI a list of witnesses they are permitted to interview, according to several people who discussed the parameters...They characterized the White House instructions as a significant constraint" via same NBC report

Link to tweet

[onetexan]

58. Just saw this posted on CNN: Trump says FBI has 'free rein' in Kavanaugh probe

https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/29/politics/trump-fbi-investigation-kavanaugh/index.html

"The FBI as you know is all over, talking to everybody ... " Trump told reporters Saturday in Washington on his way to a rally in West Virginia. "They have been all over it already. They have free reign to do whatever they have to do."

Let's see if DOTUS sticks to his words (of course we know he's not known for this).

[Sidthelib]

59. No need to worry

The FBI has been trying to do their civic duty since before Trump was even elected. This may be their chance to hurt him most. I have a feeling they’re going to do their jobs to the best of their ability and make sure Kav is not comfirmed. Then we can all celebrate after we take the Senate back.

[riversedge]

62. @SenFeinstein The FBI's hands must not be tied in this investigation. We need the facts.

Preach it gal.




Sen Dianne Feinstein
‏Verified account @SenFeinstein

Sen Dianne Feinstein Retweeted NBC News

The FBI's hands must not be tied in this investigation. We need the facts.

Link to tweet