After Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified about her sexual assault allegation against Brett Kavanaugh on September 28, President Trump responded by calling her testimony “very compelling,” adding that he found her to be “very credible.”
Now, less than two weeks later and following Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, Trump is characterizing Ford’s allegation as “a hoax set up by the Democrats” — the same talking point he’s repeatedly used to dismiss evidence his campaign colluded with Russia.
Here's video of Trump saying that the allegations against Kavanaugh were a "hoax set up by the Democrats." pic.twitter.com/zaXR6eH17f
— Tasneem N (@TasneemN) October 8, 2018
Referring to Democrats, Trump said that “the way they tortured [Kavanaugh] and his family, I thought it was a disgrace. It was one of the most disgraceful performances I’ve ever seen.”
The president — who has been accused of sexual assault by 15 women, all of whom he claims are liars — expressed no sympathy for Ford.
Trump provided no evidence for his “hoax” claim, and his use of the talking point to dismiss collusion has been similarly evidence-free.
The president also lied about Ford’s allegation, claiming “there was no corroboration of any kind” for them. In fact, Ford’s accusation was corroborated by four sworn affidavits detailing how she told a therapist, her husband, friends and acquaintances her story about being assaulted by Kavanaugh as far back as 2012, and in each case well before Kavanaugh was nominated to the Supreme Court by Trump in July.
While Trump tries to turn Ford’s allegation into a political cudgel he can wield against Democrats, Ford’s lawyer Debra Katz told MSNBC that Ford is still living in hiding due to “unending threats.”
“Her family has been through a lot,” Katz said. “They are not living at home. It’s going to be quite some time before they’re able to live at home. The threats have been unending. It’s deplorable. It’s been very frightening.”
Another attorney representing Ford, Lisa Banks, added that Ford was “horrified” by Trump publicly mocking her at a political rally on October 2.
“She was upset by it, yes, as any woman would be who is the victim of sexual assault, who is mocked and belittled by anyone, never mind the President of the United States,” attorney Lisa Banks added.