President Donald Trump unveiled Wednesday afternoon his updated list of potential nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court, should there be an opening in the near future. Three conservative senators made his roster.
Trump told reporters he has added 20 people to the list he released ahead of his election in November 2016. Among those just added are Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).
The majority of those added to the list of potential Supreme Court nominees are currently serving as judges.
“Every one of these individuals will ensure equal justice, equal treatment, and equal rights for citizens of every race, color, religion, and creed,” Trump said from the White House.
The president’s announcement came as many in the press are focused entirely on quotes released Wednesday by veteran Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward. According to excerpts from Woodward’s upcoming book, “Rage,” Trump privately admitted earlier this year to publicly downplaying the severity of the coronavirus to avoid inducing panic.
Kelly Shackelford, president of the right-leaning First Liberty Institute, which works to protect religious liberty, praised Trump’s updated Supreme Court list.
“There are few issues of greater importance in the upcoming election that that of potential nominations to the Supreme Court of the United States,” said Shackelford. “President Trump’s record on judicial nominations during his first term has been nothing short of astounding, with a record number of judges dedicated to originalist constitutional principles nominated and confirmed to the federal judiciary. His list today continues to fulfill his promise to nominate excellent judges who are committed to protecting the freedom of all Americans.”