President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE on Wednesday characterized the assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh as a "very tough thing," but indicated he wants to hear from his accuser, Christine Blasey Ford.

"I really want to see her. I really would want to see what she has to say," Trump told reporters before departing for North Carolina.

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"Look, if she shows up and makes a credible showing, that’ll be very interesting, and we'll have to make a decision," he added. "But I can only say this: he is such an outstanding man, very hard for me to imagine anything happened."

Trump spoke the morning after attorneys for Christine Blasey Ford said she would not testify at a Monday hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The attorneys said Ford had come under harassment since bringing her charges against Kavanaugh, and did not wish to appear before the panel until the FBI completed its investigation.

Democrats have backed her demands, but Republicans have said they hearing will go on with Kavanaugh.

On Wednesday morning, Trump praised Kavanaugh as a man of "great intellect" with an "unblemished record." He echoed his comments from Tuesday in which he sympathized with Kavanaugh and his family, calling it a "very tough thing" that the judge has gone through.

"This is a very tough thing for him and his family, and we want to get it over with," he said. "At the same time we want to give tremendous amounts of time.

"They've already given it time, they've delayed a major hearing," he continued. "If she shows up that would be wonderful. If she doesn’t show up, that would be unfortunate."

Ford has alleged that Kavanaugh pinned her down and attempted to remove her clothes during a high school party. She also said he put his hand over her mouth when she tried to scream for help.

Kavanaugh has denied the allegations and said he is willing to testify about the accusations.

Trump, who on Tuesday said the FBI shouldn't investigate the incident, demurred on Wednesday when asked whether he would direct the bureau to do so. He noted that the FBI has conducted several background checks on Kavanaugh for his previous roles in the White House and in the judicial system.