Trump calls it ‘fitting’ that Amy Coney Barrett will take Supreme Court seat of liberal icon Ginsberg
Hailing Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court on Monday, Donald Trump called it “highly fitting” that the social conservative would be taking the seat of the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg – a comparison that did not go down well with many Americans on social media.
Speaking alongside the new Justice Barrett at a White House swearing-in event, the president told reporters: “The Barrett family has captured America's heart.”
He added: “It is highly fitting that Justice Barrett fills the seat of a true pioneer for women, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg."
Barrett, a 48-year-old religious conservative, was confirmed by 52 votes to 48 in the US Senate to replace the late liberal rights icon and women’s rights advocate Ginsburg, who died on 18 September at the age of 87.
Many reacted to Mr Trump’s statement on Twitter, struggling to see a comparison between two justices who belong to such different ideological schools.
Trump just said it was highly fitting that Barrett is filling Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat.
It’s an insult and offensive to everything Ginsburg stood for.
There is sorrow and anger in my heart.— thatsmetrying (@ImTHATChristina) October 27, 2020
Amy Coney Barrett may have been confirmed to fill Justice Ginsburg’s Supreme Court seat, but she will NEVER, NEVER fill Justice Ginsburg’s shoes.
— Snarky With the Good Hair (@snarkywgoodhair) October 27, 2020
>It is highly fitting that Justice Barrett will fill the seat of a pioneer for women,
How? By proceeding to roll back the rights that people like RBG fought for?— Ad Oculos Stultus (@Ad_Oculos_Stult) October 27, 2020
What a dreadful replacement of Ruth Bader Ginsberg with Amy Coney Barrett. Even if Trump loses next week the effect of this hugely conservative Supreme Court will be now felt by Americans for generations.
— Jacob Smith (@JacobGGSmith) October 27, 2020
The process to nominate and confirm Justice Barrett has proved highly contentious, with the final vote coming just over a week before the presidential election.
Justice Barrett becomes the third Trump nominee to reach the apex court, cementing a six-to-three conservative majority in a court that is set to hear several high profile cases in the coming weeks.
"I am grateful for the confidence you have expressed in me, and I pledge to you and to the American people that I will discharge my duties to the very best of my ability," Justice Barrett said after she was sworn in.