President Trump said Monday that he is open to the Senate Judiciary Committee delaying Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation process following allegations of sexual assault.

"I want the American people to be happy because they’re getting somebody that is great. I want him to go in at the absolute highest level. And I think to do that you have to go through this. If it takes a little delay it'll take a little delay ... I'm sure it will work out very well."

— President Trump

Why it matters: This is the first time Trump has weighed in on the allegations against his SCOTUS pick. Trump also defended Kavanaugh, and said he wished that the Democrats had brought this up sooner. His comments come as Senate leaders continue to debate how to handle the accusation, given the Judiciary Committee was expected to vote Kavanaugh onto the bench later this week.