President Donald Trump's defense of Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore has caused consternation within the Republican party, and according to a report Saturday in The New York Times, there's even a divide within his immediate family.

The Times report, headlined "Why Trump stands by Roy Moore, even as it fractures his party," states that Trump complained to his staff about his daughter Ivanka Trump's comments that "[t]here's a special place in hell for people who prey on children," regarding allegations that Moore sexually assaulted two teenage girls and behaved inappropriately around others while in his 30s.

Ivanka Trump also said she had "no reason to doubt the victims' accounts," a different position than the one taken by President Trump.

The Times cites three staff members confirmed hearing the comments, with Trump asking "Do you believe this?" to several aides in the Oval Office.

Trump has faced criticism from others within his party for his tepid response to the allegations against Moore, with the President telling reporters "he denies it," and "you have to listen to him also."

Former Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele called Trump's defense of Moore "sickening," and "beyond stupid," in recent days. The Times report quotes Sen. Lindsey Graham as saying that he was surprised by Trump's reaction and calling it "a high-risk move."

With a growing number of high-profile Republicans speaking out against Moore as additional allegations surfaced, Republican strategist Scott Jennings called the election a "no-win scenario," for the party, according to the Times report.

"Either we're saddled with a Democrat in a seat that ought to be Republican," Jennings said, "or we're saddled with a brand anvil that's going to drag down the president, drag down the Senate, drag down the party and plunge the Senate into immediate turmoil when he gets there."

A White House official clarified to The Times that Trump believes Moore should exit the race if the allegations are true. Moore has denied all allegations and said he will stay in the race.

Moore will face Democrat Doug Jones in a special election for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat on Dec. 12. Monday is the last day voters can register and be eligible to vote in this election.

Read the full New York Times report.