Trump: "Ginsburg Successor Also a Woman... Will Expedite the Process" (Comprehensive)

Republican Rebellion Votes and Others to Act as Variables in Future Successor Appointments

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] U.S. President Donald Trump said he would recommend a female Supreme Court justice as the successor to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

On the 19th (local time), President Trump met with reporters at the White House and said, "The (successor appointment) process will proceed quickly," adding, "We will soon appoint a successor." At this meeting, Trump predicted, "Probably a woman will be nominated as a Supreme Court justice."

Earlier, President Trump expressed through Twitter that the successor to Justice Ginsburg should be appointed swiftly. Tagging the Republican Party, he said, "We are in a position to select someone whom those who elected us will be proud of," and added, "Among these, the selection of a U.S. Supreme Court justice has long been considered the most important task. We must fulfill this duty without delay!"

US Supreme Court with flags at half-staff
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

The appointment of U.S. Supreme Court justices has been regarded as a highly contentious political activity in American politics. Not only do they handle important political issues and serve as the final court of appeal for general lawsuits, but in the absence of a constitutional court in the U.S., they also hold the power of constitutional review, influencing American society for decades. Moreover, since the position is for life, the president cannot replace a justice unless they die or resign voluntarily. For this reason, regardless of whether the president is from the progressive or conservative camp, whenever a vacancy arises on the Supreme Court, efforts are made to appoint a successor from within their own camp.

Supreme Court justices are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Currently, since the majority party in the U.S. Senate is the Republican Party, President Trump is trying to expedite the appointment of Justice Ginsburg's successor. On the other hand, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and other Democrats argue that the nomination process for the successor should take place after the presidential election. Considering only vote counts, it seems the Republicans could push through the appointment process despite Democratic opposition, but variables remain.

An unexpected obstacle has appeared. Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed opposition to deciding on Justice Ginsburg's successor before the November presidential election. If two more senators join Collins in opposition, the vote would be tied 50-50. In addition to Senator Collins, Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney are also seen by U.S. media such as Politico as potential voices advocating that the successor nomination process should proceed after the presidential election.

Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the United States Supreme Court
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, President Trump stated in a proclamation, "We mourn the loss of a pioneer not only in the field of law but also in the history of our country" in relation to Justice Ginsburg's passing. Despite battling cancer, Trump praised the late justice for fulfilling her duties in the court, calling her "a fighter until the end."

President Trump introduced Justice Ginsburg's efforts to secure women's equality and the rights of people with disabilities, saying, "Her legacy and contributions to American history will never be forgotten."

To honor Justice Ginsburg, he ordered the U.S. administration as well as military bases and naval vessels to fly flags at half-staff.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.