Donald Trump has chosen Brett Kavanaugh, a politically connected conservative judge as his nominee for the US supreme court, lighting the fuse of an acrimonious political battle and potentially setting the court on a more conservative course for decades to come.
A favorite of the Republican legal establishment in Washington, Kavanaugh, 53, is a former law clerk for retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. Like Trump’s first nominee last year, Justice Neil Gorsuch, Kavanaugh would be a young addition who could help remake the court for decades to come with rulings that could restrict abortion, expand gun rights and roll back key parts of Obamacare.
“There is no one in America more qualified for this position and no one more deserving,” said Trump in his prime-time televised address from the White House, calling Kavanaugh “one of the sharpest legal minds of our time.”
With fanfare the decision was announced in the east room of the White House where Trump’s wife, Melania , Vice-President Mike Pence and numerous senators were also present. A day of feverish speculation among journalists and across social media came to an end with a few simple words.
“Tonight, it is my honour and privilege to announce that I will nominate Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States supreme court,” Trump said. There was prolonged applause as Kavanaugh entered the room with his wife, Ashley, and daughters, Margaret and Liza, with whom he lives in Maryland.
> Shiuly Rina
