FAYETTEVILLE (US) – President Donald Trump said on Saturday he will nominate a woman to succeed Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Supreme Court. This would push the court further towards the right following the death of liberal Ginsburg.
“I will be putting forth a nominee next week. It will be a woman,” the president said during a campaign rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina. “I think it should be a woman because I actually like women much more than men.”
While he spoke, supporters chanted: “Fill that seat.”
He hailed Ginsburg as a “legal giant … Her landmark rulings, fierce devotion to justice and her courageous battle against cancer inspire all Americans.”
Earlier, Trump had showered praise on two women who could be possible candidates. They are conservatives he elevated to federal appeals courts.
He had nominated Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th Circuit and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta’s 11th Circuit as possible nominees. This would be Trump’s third appointment so far.
The president said it was his constitutional right to appoint a successor for Ginsburg, and he would do so. He cited similar moves made by former presidents. “We have plenty of time. You’re talking about Jan. 20,” he said, hinting at the date of the next inauguration.