Trump orders FBI probe of Kavanaugh, Senate confirmation in doubt

Agreeing to the demands by Democrats, US President Donald Trump has ordered a limited FBI investigation into the allegations of sexual assault against his embattled Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, throwing his Senate confirmation in doubt.

The FBI has been asked to complete its investigation in a week, meaning the confirmation of Kavanaugh, 53, as Supreme Court judge would be delayed by at least a week.

"I've ordered the FBI to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh's file. As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week," Trump announced Friday.

In an accompanying statement issued by the White House, Kavanaugh promised full co-operation in the investigation.

"Throughout this process, I've been interviewed by the FBI, I've done a number of 'background' calls directly with the Senate, and yesterday, I answered questions under oath about every topic the senators and their counsel asked me. I've done everything they have requested and will continue to cooperate," Kavanaugh said.

At least three women have now accused Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct while drunk.

On Thursday, Christine Blasey Ford, 51, during a televised public hearing before the committee recounted the alleged sexual assault by the conservative judge, which "drastically altered her life".

The two were in high schools when the alleged incident happened in the early 1980s.

Kavanaugh, making appearance before the same Senate committee after Ford, denied the allegations.

Trump's decision on a limited FBI investigation against Kavanaugh came after the Republicans agreed to it. The Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate,