Donald Trump just announced his nominee for new Supreme Court Justice. Brett M. Kavanaugh was announced during a White House presentation on July 9th. Kavanaugh, 53, is a federal appeals court judge and former aide to George W. Bush. Kavanaugh is a known advocate of ‘religious freedom’ and the appointment of this conservative will certainly galvanize voters before the midterm elections.
Just as we reported about Trump’s potential SCOTUS picks, Kavanaugh will change the balance of controversial battles such as abortion, LGBTQ rights, and capital punishment. Kavanaugh’s nomination comes after Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement at the age of 81 in June. Justice Kennedy was typically the swing vote on highly contentious issues.
Kavanaugh still faces approval of the Senate, but if successfully appointed, it will be the first time in over 30 years that we have a conservative majority in the Supreme Court.
This is Trump’s second nomination for the Supreme Court. Upon Antonin Scalia’s death in 2016, Trump selected Justice Neil M. Gorsuch as his successor. Gorsuch has voted similar to Scalia, which hadn’t impacted SCOTUS ruling very much according to The New York Times.
With regard to LGBTQ rights, NBC reports:
Kavanaugh was“promoted heavily by the Family Research Council in 2005” when he was initially nominated for the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. Circuit. The Family Research Council, like the Alliance Defending Freedom, has been designated an anti-LGBTQ “hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center and is an outspoken opponent of LGBTQ rights, claiming homosexuality is “harmful” and “unnatural.” It is not clear, however, whether Kavanaugh agrees with the group’s anti-LGBTQ views.
During his announcement, Trump said:
Regarding one of the most profound responsibilities of the President of the United States… this is one of the most important decisions a President can make.
Judge Kavanaugh has impeccable credentials, unsurpassed qualifications and a proven commitment to equal justice under the law.
He is a brilliant jurist with a clear and effective writing style, universally regarded as one of the finest and sharpest legal minds of our time.
You can watch the announcement here:
h/t: The New York Times, NBC
