GOP Sen. Collins ‘Appalled’ By Trump Tweet Attacking Kavanaugh Accuser

Maine Senator Susan Collins (R) said Friday that she was “appalled” by President Trump’s tweet attacking the legitimacy of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, according to the Portland Press Herald.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine says she’s “appalled” by President Donald Trump’s tweet criticizing his Supreme Court nominee’s accuser.

— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) September 21, 2018

“I was appalled by the president’s tweet,” Collins said.

“First of all, we know that allegations of sexual assault — I’m not saying that’s what happened in this case — but we know allegations of sexual assault are one of the most unreported crimes that exist. So I thought that the president’s tweet was completely inappropriate and wrong,” she added.

The Hill added:

Collins also said that she would be comfortable allowing Ford to testify later in the week and that the Senate Judiciary Committee should make reasonable accommodations to allow her to speak. Republicans on the panel are negotiating with Ford to set up a way for her to speak to the panel.

Trump raised doubts Friday about Ford’s allegations.

Trump said that if she was telling the truth about the assault she or her parents would have filed something to the police.

I have no doubt that, if the attack on Dr. Ford was as bad as she says, charges would have been immediately filed with local Law Enforcement Authorities by either her or her loving parents. I ask that she bring those filings forward so that we can learn date, time, and place!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 21, 2018

Collins said that she wanted both Ford and Kavanaugh to “testify under oath.”

“I do think that both she and Judge Kavanaugh need to testify under oath, but I believe we should attempt to make this as comfortable a process for her as possible,” Collins said. “To me Monday is the preferred date but I don’t see a problem with delaying to Wednesday or Thursday.”