President Donald Trump has nominated Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to be an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court vacancy was created by Justice Anthony Kennedy’s assumption of senior status.
“In keeping with President Reagan’s legacy, I do not ask about a nominee’s personal opinion,” said President Trump. “What matters is not a judge’s political views, but whether they can set aside those views to do what the law and the Constitution require. I am pleased to say that I have found, without doubt, such a person.”
Judge Kavanaugh has served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit since 2006, authoring more than 300 opinions, including 11 that have been affirmed by the Supreme Court. Before becoming a judge, he served in the George W. Bush administration, first as an Associate Counsel and then Senior Associate Counsel, and subsequently as Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary. A graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School, Judge Kavanaugh clerked on the Supreme Court for Justice Kennedy, and for judges on the Third and Ninth Circuit Courts of Appeals. Judge Kavanaugh also served as a Counsel for the Office of Independent Counsel under Ken Starr and as a Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, LLP.
Judge Kavanaugh has earned a reputation as a brilliant jurist with impeccable legal credentials, and he is universally respected for his intellect, as well as his ability to persuade and build consensus. Judge Kavanaugh lives in Maryland with his wife Ashley and their two daughters.
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith accepted a White House invitation to attend the President’s announcement Thursday evening.
“I believe Judge Kavanaugh is a well-qualified conservative jurist, and I commend President Trump for his commitment to naming Supreme Court justices who are committed to the rule of law,” said Hyde-Smith. “I appreciate the significance of my responsibility to weigh the qualifications of the nominee, including his dedication to the Constitution and the fair interpretation of our laws. I look forward to being part of this important process.”
State leaders across Mississippi reacted to the announcement of the President’s choice.
Judge Brett Kavanaugh is committed to the rule of law and will uphold the Constitution. @realDonaldTrump made an outstanding selection who deserves swift confirmation by the Senate.
— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) July 10, 2018
I congratulate President @realDonaldTrump on his nomination of Judge Kavanaugh. He will uphold the Constitution of our great nation. https://t.co/kUi8eS7ol5
— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) July 10, 2018
President Trump has once again kept his promise to nominate to the Supreme Court a well-qualified jurist with a record of upholding the integrity of the law and the Constitution. I look forward to meeting with Judge Kavanaugh. #ScotusPick
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) July 10, 2018
I applaud President Trump’s decision to nominate Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh has a long record of conservative decisions ranging from the separation of powers and executive privilege to abortion, immigration and gun rights.
— Sen. Chris McDaniel (@senatormcdaniel) July 10, 2018
He has a proven record of conservative judicial victories that uphold the Constitution and interpret its principles as originally intended by our Foundinf Fathers.
— Cong. Steven Palazzo (@CongPalazzo) July 10, 2018
