TRUMP APOLOGISES TO KAVANAUGH, ‘FOR COUNTRY’
Kavanaugh says he has ‘no bitterness’ and promises to ‘always be a team player’
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump apologised to Brett Kavanaugh for the bitter battle over his confirmation to the Supreme Court and declared him “innocent” of the assault allegations that nearly derailed his nomination.
“On behalf of our nation, I want to apologize to Brett and the entire Kavanaugh family for the terrible pain you have been forced to endure,” Trump said on Monday during a ceremonial swearing-in at the White House. “You, sir, under historic scrutiny, were proven innocent.”
Kavanaugh, acknowledging the “contentious and emotional” fight over his confirmation, said he had “no bitterness” and promised to “always be a team player on the team of nine.”
Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, whom Kavanaugh once clerked for and whose place he has taken on the court, administered the oath of office. Kavanaugh will hear his first cases on Tuesday, when the court convenes at 10 a.m.
Kavanaugh’s installation cements the strongest conservative majority on the court since the New Deal, delivering on a decades-long ambition of the American right. It comes just in time to motivate evangelicals and social conservatives to turn out to vote in November elections that will determine control of Congress.
His ascent to the court was sealed by a 50-48 Senate vote on Saturday.
Trump has spent the past few days relishing Kavanaugh’s confirmation.