(CNN) Two Republican senators said Tuesday the rape allegation made against President Donald Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll should be explored to determine the veracity of the allegation against the President -- even as many Senate Republicans sidestepped questions over the matter and defended Trump.

Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said both Trump and Carroll should be questioned about the alleged assault.

"I think anybody that makes an accusation like that, they should come forward," Ernst said when asked if Carroll should be believed. "But obviously there has to be some additional information. They need to interview her. They need to visit with him."

Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah said there needs to be an "evaluation" but that he didn't know what entity should conduct it, "whether it's Congress or whether it's another setting, I'm not sure."

"It's a very serious allegation," Romney said. "I hope that it is fully evaluated. The President said it didn't happen and I certainly hope that's the case."

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