Two women said to be in running as top prospects
MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Powering forward with a decision that could reshape the Supreme Court for decades, President Donald Trump said Friday that he will announce his choice to succeed retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy on July 9. He added that two women are among his top candidates for the job.
The president, who spoke aboard Airforceoneonthewaytohisgolf club in New Jersey, said he had identified a group of at least five potential candidates for the nation’s high court and he may interview as many as seven.
“It’s a great group of intellectual talent,” Trump said.
Kennedy, a key swing vote on the court, announced Wednesday that he will retire this summer.
Trump told reporters he planned to begin interviewing possible candidates Monday, but he may meet with some over the weekend in New Jersey. Asked whether he planned to question potential court nominees on their views on abortion rights and Roe v. Wade, he responded, “That’s not a question I’ll be asking.”
He added, “I think it’s inappropriate to discuss.”
The president did not disclose whom he is considering for the job. But he has promised to draw the next justice from a list of 25 prospective candidates that was first established during the 2016 presidential campaign and updated last fall, with advice from conservatives. That list includes six women. Some possible nominees being eyed include Thomas Hardiman,