US President Donald Trump stood firmly by his Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh Monday after a woman accused the conservative judge of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers. But Trump acknowledged there could be a delay in approving the nominee as pressure built for Congress to reopen hearings to review the bombshell allegation.

"Judge Kavanaugh is one of the finest people I have ever known," Trump told reporters from the Oval Office. "Never even had a little blemish on his record." He described as "ridiculous" the suggestion that Kavanaugh might withdraw his candidacy. "I think he's on track, very much on track," Trump said. "If it takes a little delay, it'll take a little delay."