US President Donald Trump now has the opportunity to lock-in the conservative majority on the court.
82-year-old Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy – often a swing vote on crucial rulings – has announced that he will resign.
In a letter to the White House, Kennedy said he would retire effective July 31st, after 30 years on the court.
As noted by Fox News, “Arguably the most powerful member of the Supreme Court, Kennedy’s moderate-conservative views often left him the “swing” — or deciding — vote in hot-button cases ranging from abortion to gay rights to political campaign spending.”
Here’s what key political figures are saying about Kennedy’s retirement.
Trump
Statement on Justice Anthony Kennedy. #SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/8aWJ6fWemA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 27, 2018
Schumer
.@SenSchumer on a replacement for Supreme Court Justice Kennedy: "Americans should make it clear that they will not tolerate a nominee chosen from President Trump's preordained list selected by powerful special interests who will reverse the progress we've made over the decades." pic.twitter.com/olQZQq5lvS
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) June 27, 2018
McConnell
My full remarks: pic.twitter.com/PUiahqy0Ej
— Leader McConnell (@SenateMajLdr) June 27, 2018
With the Republicans holding the Senate Majority, they will almost certainly be able to approve a new nominee before the upcoming midterm elections.
Spencer Fernando
Photo – YouTube
