US President Donald Trump lauded US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a “brilliant mind” in a statement, praising her for demonstrating “that one can disagree without being disagreeable toward one’s colleagues of different points of view.”
“Her opinions, including well-known decisions regarding the legal equality of women and the disabled, have inspired all Americans, and generations of great legal minds,” the statement continued.
However, rumors that Trump has been “salivating” to nominate a replacement for the liberal stalwart even before her death has been circulating.
Trump specifically has said he would “love to pick” Judge Amy Coney Barrett but is “doubtful he will have Senate support.”
“I would move quickly. Why not? I mean they would. The Democrats would if they were in this position.”
The White House is prepared to move “very quickly” on putting forward a nominee to replace Ginsburg once Trump signals his intentions, a senior administration official said.O
Another official said the campaign and White House had planned to put out a short list of candidates to fill a vacancy should one become available before the election. Ginsburg’s passing has altered that planning, but shows the White House was already paring down candidates and making a shorter list.
Whomever Trump nominates will get a vote on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed, signaling a historic fight in Congress over one of the most polarizing issues in American politics.
