(Image source from: businessinsider.com)
United States President Donald Trump on powering forward with a decision that could reshape the Supreme Court for decades, has said he will proclaim his choice to succeed retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on July 9. He added that two women are among his top candidates for the job.
The President, who spoke aboard Air Force One on the way to his golf club in New Jersey, said he had identified a group of at least five potential candidates for the nation's high court and he may interview as many as seven. "It's a great group of intellectual talent," Trump said.
Justice. Kennedy, a key swing vote on the court, announced on Wednesday that he would retire this summer. For the second Supreme Court confirmation combat in two years, the White House aides, congressional allies and outside proponents are all set.
Trump told reporters he planned to begin interviewing possible candidates Monday but he may meet with some over the weekend in New Jersey. Asked if he planned to question potential court nominees their views on abortion rights and Roe v Wade, he responded, "That's not a question I'll be asking."
He added, "I think it's inappropriate to discuss." The president did not disclose whom he is considering for the job. But he has promised to draw the next justice from a list of 25 prospective candidates that was first established during the 2016 presidential campaign and updated last fall, with advice from conservatives. That list includes six women.
On whether the time was right for a conservative woman to join the court, Mr. Trump said, "Could be. As I said, I'm looking specifically at two women." Asked about Barrett, he said, "She's an outstanding woman." Trump was also asked about Sen. Mike Lee, who is the one non-judge on the list.
Also of interest are an Indian-American Amul Thapar, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.
With a little over a week before his big announcement, Trump is relishing the moment.
"It is exciting though, right?" said Trump. "From day one, I’ve heard, outside of war and peace, of course, the most important decision you make is the selection of a Supreme Court judge, if you get it."
By Sowmya Sangam
