Ptresident Donald Trump participates in the swearing-in ceremony for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Justice Coney-Barrett will be sworn-in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at the White House. [Livestream Links Below]
UPDATE: Video and Transcript Added
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[Transcript] – THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Thank you very much. Distinguished guests and my fellow citizens, this is a momentous day for America, for the United States Constitution, and for the fair and impartial rule of law.
The Constitution is the ultimate defense of American liberty. The faithful application of the law is the cornerstone of our Republic. That is why, as President, I have no more solemn obligation and no greater honor than to appoint Supreme Court justices.
On this October evening — and it is so beautiful — the First Lady and I welcome you to the White House to bear witness to history. In a few moments, we will proudly swear in the newest member of the United States Supreme Court: Justice Amy Coney Barrett. (Applause.)
She is one of our nation’s most brilliant legal scholars, and she will make an outstanding justice on the highest court in our land.
Justice Barrett’s oath will be administered by the Court’s longest-serving member currently on the bench — a man whose allegiance to the law has earned him the respect and gratitude of all Americans: Justice Clarence Thomas. (Applause.)
Our country owes a debt of thanks to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. We appreciate it very much, Mitch. Thank you. (Applause.) And we are grateful as well to the Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham. Thank you, Lindsey. (Applause.)
Also with us, Senators Marsha Blackburn, Mike Braun, Bill Cassidy, Kevin Cramer, Ted Cruz, Steve Daines, Ron Johnson, James Lankford, Mike Lee, and Martha McSally. And I hope I didn’t leave anybody out. (Applause.)
And a very special thanks to our great Vice President, Mike Pence. Thank you, Mike. (Applause.)
Also, I want to thank White House Counsel Pat Cipollone. Thank you, Pat. (Applause.)
And very importantly, I want to welcome Justice Barrett’s husband, Jesse. Thank you, Jesse. Thank you. (Applause.) Let me also recognize your seven children — your great, beautiful children — who have become, really, just very, very popular in this nation. People have been watching them and loving them, and they’re watching right now back home in Indiana. Thank you very much. (Applause.) And I speak to everyone when I say that the Barrett family has captured America’s heart.
It is highly fitting that Justice Barrett fills the seat of a true pioneer for women: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Tonight, Justice Barrett becomes not only the fifth woman to serve on our nation’s highest court, but the very first mother of school-aged children to become a Supreme Court justice. Very important. (Applause.)
Over the past few weeks, the entire world has seen Justice Barrett’s deep knowledge, tremendous poise, and towering intellect. She answered questions for hours on end. Throughout her entire confirmation, her impeccable credentials were unquestioned, unchallenged, and obvious to all.
Justice Barrett earned a full academic scholarship to Notre Dame Law School, graduated first in her class, and served as a clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia. She was a beloved professor at Notre Dame Law School for 15 years before I very proudly appointed her to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit in 2017.
The American people have been profoundly impressed to learn of her achievements, her compassion, her generosity, her faith, and her sterling character.
Justice Barrett has made clear she will issue rulings based solely upon a faithful reading of the law and the Constitution as written, not legislate from the bench.
The equal, impartial, and constitutional rule of law that we enjoy every day in America is one of the crowning achievements in the history of human civilization. It is the triumph of reason, experience, and the values which are eternal and everlasting. Our devotion to this inheritance is what has made America the most just, exceptional, and glorious nation ever to exist.
I want every American child watching to understand that this is a very special and important ceremony. We are fulfilling the duty that passes to each new generation to sustain the national traditions and virtues that make possible everything we have achieved before that we will do tomorrow.
Because of our Constitution and our culture of freedom, you live in a land where anything is possible and where any dream can come true. No matter who you are, no matter your background, in America, everyone is entitled to equal protection under our laws, and your sacred rights can never, ever be taken away.
The march of liberty that began with the American Revolution continues onward this evening. Tonight at the White House, we carry forward the cause of freedom, equality, and justice for which so many generations of Americans have given so much. We honor the cause for which men died to win the Civil War, and for which they jumped out of airplanes and shed their blood on distant battlefields. We honor the immortal principles that inspired millions in the struggle for Civil Rights, and we take special pride in the nation that inspires billions of people all over the world.
We must never take this radiant inheritance for granted. We must never lose confidence in our history, our heritage, or in our heroes. To reach for the stars, we must stand upon the strong and sturdy foundation built by those incredible Americans who came before.
Justice Barrett, as you take your oath tonight, the legacy of our ancestors falls to you. The American people put their trust in you and their faith in you as you take up the task of defending our laws, our Constitution, and this country that we all love. We ask God to give you wisdom and courage. I know you will make us all very, very proud.
As long as we are loyal to our founding and to our fellow citizens, America’s future will be bright, America’s destiny will be great, and America’s people will forever and always be free. I now ask Justice Thomas to administer the Oath. Thank you very much.
(The Judicial Oath is administered.) (Applause.)
JUSTICE BARRETT: Thank you. Thank you so very much. Thank you all for being here tonight. And thank you, President Trump, for selecting me to serve as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. It’s a privilege to be asked to serve my country in this office, and I stand here tonight truly honored and humbled.
Thanks also to the Senate for giving its consent to my appointment. 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.
This was a rigorous confirmation process, and I thank all of you, especially Leader McConnell and Chairman Graham for helping me to navigate it.
My heartfelt thanks go to the members of the White House staff and Department of Justice who worked tirelessly to support me through this process. Your stamina is remarkable, and I have been the beneficiary of it.
Jesse and I are also so grateful to the many people have supported — who have supported our family over these last several weeks. Through ways both tangible and intangible, you have made this day possible. Jesse and I have been truly awestruck by your generosity.
I have spent a good amount of time over the last month at the Senate, both in meetings with individual senators and in days of hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The confirmation process has made ever clearer to me one of the fundamental differences between the federal judiciary and the United States Senate, and perhaps the most acute is the role of policy preferences.
It is the job of a senator to pursue her policy preferences. In fact, it would be a dereliction of duty for her to put policy goals aside. By contrast, it is the job of a judge to resist her policy preferences. It would be a dereliction of duty for her to give in to them.
Federal judges don’t stand for election. Thus, they have no basis for claiming that their preferences reflect those of the people. This separation of duty from political preference is what makes the judiciary distinct among the three branches of government.
A judge declares independence not only from Congress and the President, but also from the private beliefs that might otherwise move her. The Judicial Oath captures the essence of the judicial duty the rule of law must always control.
My fellow Americans, even though we judges don’t face elections, we still work for you. It is your Constitution that establishes the rule of law and the judicial independence that is so central to it.
The oath that I have solemnly taken tonight means, at its core, that I will do my job without any fear or favor, and that I will do so independently of both the political branches and of my own preferences.
I love the Constitution and the Democratic Republic that it establishes, and I will devote myself to preserving it. Thank you. (Applause.)
White House Livestream – Fox News Livestream – Alternative Livestream Link
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What an historic day for our Constitutional Republic! An originalist who applies Constitutional law for a change! Pass the winnamons please ?
Is her family going to have to move to the DC area, or can they keep living in America?
LOL. Good question!
LOL. How true that is
Our Constitution is only words on parchment if the citizens it was intended for don’t take it to heart and understand that our Founding Fathers lit a torch in a dark and moonless world to show us what is possible…a world where common women and men are endowed with unalienable rights bestowed on them by their Creator! President Trump HAS taken it to heart…an imperfect man with a perfect love for America! God blessed us with this President!
TDS is real, devastating, and scary…… a mind is a terrible thing to lose…. get help, Joe Scarborough, get help!!
I never liked Beaker from The Muppets. But seriously, what a douchebag.
Only a Moron would fantasize about nominating a 73 year old has been to the Supreme Court who has underlying health issues. Earth to JOE! ACB is 48 years old.
Yes Joe Scarecrow is one of those people I can’t stomach seeing for more than one millisecond.
I stopped viewing cnn when Ted Turner married hanoi jane. I cancelled all print news when there was ONE voice — shrieking voice…spewing the same massaged, manipulated propaganda lies. Plentiful and disturbing examples occurred during the Oliver North grilling in congress. There was little to no resemblance between what I had seen and heard and the fiction from media.
Clintoon wouldn’t make it through confirmation, coughing, falling asleep, fainting, loosing 100lbs (body double), lying, not to mention the suicided ghosts and pedo abused survivors who would show up in the process.
Nah never gonna happen Joe, Hilarious would self ignite, the ground would open up and Beelzebub would cast her into outer darkness.
I’m all in favor of Democrats giving lifetime appointments to geriatrics in poor health.
Just to be funny – when the GOP wins do this “Judicial Reform Act” (since the Democrats think it so very necessary) and get even MORE Trump appointed SCOTUS justices.
Best trolling ever….
https://whiskeytangotexas.com/2020/10/26/happy-birthday-hillary-clinton/
ACB:
“…so help me God.”
And…Roberts is removed as the libs’ swing vote on the SCOTUS. Sweet.
Yes! Thank God!
Thank you, God almighty!
Sorry about the double post!! WordPress…good grief!!!
Agree about WP. I struggled to get on here earlier today.
People of West Virginia, when are you going to understand that Joe Manchin is punking you every time he tells you he has your values and interests at heart?
Here’s a perfectly qualified woman, a conservative woman, a mother, a wife, a scholar for whom he votes “NaY” with his usual Dem lame excuses, always excuses.
Had he been up for re-election a little over a week from now, he have voted “yes” because he knows you believe in her judicial restraint. He’s not a man of principle. Can’t you finally SEE that?
Manchin is the go to ‘moderate’ at FAUX FOX.
He’s not a moderate. He’s bought pol.
STRONGER.
FASTER.
BETTER.
Oh Mercy!…..Sustice Amy Coney Barrett is going to be great!! Somebody pinch me – FIVE LEGITIMATELY CONSERVATIVE AND VIBRANT CONSERVATIVES on SCOTUS…….FOR YEARS TO COME…..until PDJT nominates another one (or two?) in the next four years. This is HUGE treepers!! And of course, NO PACKING!!!
And Uncle Sam smiles.
Nice. Her blank piece of paper is killing it.
The most interesting aspect is how they got to Roberts.
He was a bona fide conservative by history and temperament on his previous record.
Something happened.
He declared Obamacare a “tax’…..dumbfounding other Justices. That’s how Obamacare got up.
Everyone has a past, a SCOTUS Justice will be disqualified for minor incidents that would not affect anyone in another occupation. Apprehended bias due to blackmail is the problem.
There is a persistent rumour he is compromised over the international adoption of a child.
Surely fertile ground for smart young reporters who can endure threats.
They got to Roberts, it is urgent for the Republic that we learn how.
if there is any form of blackmail or other corruption going on relevant to Roberts, I sure hope someone on team Trump can dig it up and bring it to public light., leading to an impeachment or Roberts’ retirement in disgrace.
Perhaps if PDJT succeeds in cleaning out the DOJ & intel agencies the info will be “found”. ?
Nobody got to him. He was never conservative. Harvard, Yale, establishment elite DC law firm. Conservatives don’t come from those places, just people pretending to be so republican preaidents can fool the base that a conservative is being appointed. In private practice Roberts was involved in pushing for courts to force states to allow gay marriage. ACB is more like Roberts than a conservative. Just wait. If it matters, she’ll vote with the liberals, like Roberts does now.
I am concerned about the upcoming SCOTUS ruling on three day late PA ballots. She IS a believer in judicial restraint but there are so many arguments on the late ballots crap.
I believe her when she says she will not be swayed by this or that. Could have been her way of saying, “Don’t ever think you can take for granted how I will rule.”
Wonderful.
I watched the President tonight while he gave the speech about Justice Barrett. He’s very tired after a long day on the campaign trail. I don’t know how he does it day after day but I’m very grateful to have him as our President. KAG! 4 More Years! TRUMP 2020!
Lets clap (virtually) for Judge Barett, what a lovely acceptance speech and a responce to all the political bile thrown at her during the confirmation, dont we wish the FBI had people of the same sentiment but allas it has become To a great extent a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
Hard to like your comment about the FBI — I agree totally, and it truly is dismaying to see what has become of our government institutions. May God keep our president safe and safely re-elected. May God keep him strong and able to continue his swamp draining.
What a great win! I love President Trump!
When the dust settles on this Supreme Court position, we should be reminded it was open only because a very liberal Justice, a cancer patient many times over, had decided she would keep working rather than resign under a Democratic President.
Having ACB placed on Court on Hillary’s bday……suggests bigger forces at work here!
I agree, Cocoon. RGB could have retired back in 2015 while on Obama’s watch. She instead chose to take a gamble and stay on, not wanting to relinquish the power. John McCain did the same thing. Knew the year before he died that he had terminal cancer. Instead of doing the right and honorable thing by retiring, he spent most of his final year on earth here in Arizona, up in Cornville, until the very end. We were denied proper representation. At least we’re going to have a full court, especially with what’s coming up on the SCOTUS docket. We can’t count on Roberts to do the right thing.
Democrats claim this makes Supreme Court 6 to 3 in favor of conservatives, but it really is 5 to 4 as Roberts is more likely to vote with liberal judges in key decisions. If this position was filled by Biden, the Supreme Court would have become a left leaning court.
I don’t much care whether the court “leans” left or right. I do care if she was “hired” to help make Trump a dictator by OK-ing his assertions of voter fraud, no matter how absurd they are. And, so far, they’ve been very absurd. It isn’t just a wild speculation either — he’s bragged about why he was doing it! If she were to do that, it would deal a fatal blow to the respect of the Supreme Court — and might well spell the end of American Democracy as well. It’s possible Trump will lose the popular vote by 60% to 40%. If that happens and The Extreme Court “declares” Trump winner anyway, only Putin will profit from the resulting chaos.
You have a great imagination.
Can’t say I liked the optics of Barret and Trump ascending the stairs together and the balcony shots after the swearing in.. A bit strange imo..
I think PDJT over played his hand a bit there. Barret is now Justice Barrett and stands apart from the politics of the executive branch. Just struck me as not the thing to do. The two Justices should have turned and exited on their own way.
jmo.
That was just The King giving the democrats the bird but with style points.
Even Kings make poor decisions on occasion..
Maybe ovah at your house
I saw somewhere about a year ago that when President Trump wears the Blue Tie it’s his FU message. It was an observation that someone made looking at a number of situations over a period of a few years. Since then, I’ve looked for that. Sure enough he had that blue tie on last night.
And Justice Barrett laid down the gauntlet of Judicial separation.
Tommyd22, if you watched President Trump’s speech right before he went up the stairs with Justice Barrett, you couldn’t help but notice how overly tired he was after a long day on the campaign trail. When he talked he sounded like a robot, little to no passion in his voice, which also sounded strained. By the time he climbed the stairs, I think the main thing on his mind was getting to bed to get some much needed sleep.
I believe Roberts is a good judge, with a secret that the left has on him.
Judge Barrett will take over the Courts conscious. Roberts will be off the hook.
But, Judge Roberts will be sleeping less in the future, Fearing ‘good’ eats at a good person like cancer.
His fear of this dilemma is a reason for Thomas swearing her in. Plus Thomas knows her better than anyone on the court.
Anyone male or female who handles a high profile, demanding job while parenting a large family of boisterous children with a contented smile on their face is my hero. We are in good hands
wtf? “Nine scorpions in a mini-van”???
This is a writer at the SCOTUS blog, the blog for the U.S. Supreme Court.
If this comment by the author is any indication of what awaits this young family, is it okay to ask that prayers for the family, the children especially, of the newest Justice to the Supreme Court might be included in Grandma Covfefe’s daily morning prayer offerings?
This author also misspoke and had to know better when writing the WH announcer misspoke by saying upon the arrival of the President, Justice Thomas and Justice ACB the announcer erred because ACB was not yet a sitting justice (I assume he is alluding to the Supreme Court); because she was still a sitting Justice, albeit for an appellate court. The takeaway – the politicization of the third branch of government via the media disinformation, continues.
https://www.scotusblog.com/2020/10/a-view-from-the-south-lawn-the-constitutional-oath/#more-297263
I have to say that was a most excellent speech by the President one of the finest you’ll from anyone. I can’t express how wonderful it is to hear the most powerful leader of the free world asking God to give wisdom to someone. In essence President Trump is requesting that God direct our Supreme Court Justice, breath taking. We might expect this from a faithful church pastor, however to hear this from a President in this day and time it is pure blessing.
It’s been a “hard row to hoe” for the President his faithful few and all of the patriots for that matter. But, I got say it’s worth it just see this victory. I’m of a mind to say that if we remain resolute, unwavering in the face of tremendous opposition, I believe we gonna find who God respects and who He declines.
I’m also gonna go out on a limb here say to those who have no faith or little faith stand back and watch how God delivers those who put their trust in Him.
I see our Republic surrounded on all sides hordes of enemies of every kind laying siege in all effort to destroy the foundation for which the Republic stands. And as I understand it that primary undergirding is our belief in a creator and “In God We Trust”.
Of course that doesn’t mean the fight will end but it does mean we get to fight. God raise up a man made us aware we must get up start fighting and continue fighting from here on out.
What was the best part? Let’s see.
1. Eliminating commie-flirting Roberts from the Kennedy Swing Vote™ syndrome.
2. Establishing a constitutional voice on the Court for at least 30 years.
3. Being an extremely pro-life, pro-family justice in an age of hedonistic destruction.
But all that pales in comparison to…. those legs!!
Most of the commenters here are going to be very disappointed in lockdown Amy. Just another establishment country club republican pretending to be conservative, like Gorsuch, Roberts, and Kavanaugh. Just wait and see how she votes when it matters. Open borders here we come.
You could be right. Hopefully President Trump will soon be able to replace Sotomayor and Stephanie Breyer.
Kavanaugh would surprise, actually shock me after what he was put thru prior to his appointment.
Folks. ACB’s acceptance speech was brilliant. She turned the gender language of the left against itself; insisting that the legislative branch should be predujudicial while the judicial cannot. All while using the she pronoun.
Masterfull.
I thought at one point in the eyes of this lady, when being passive/aggressively insulted by an idiot Democrat Senator, that for an instance she wanted to verbally walk over to the man and cut his balls off with a pocket knife.
Prudence is the better part of valor in a well integrated self.
“Belladonna’s in the jungle – But she is no garden flower – There is no distress in the tower”
Now that Trump has delivered on cleaning up the imbalance in the judiciary. When his next 4 years occur…maybe he can clean up : 1) the FBI 2) The College campus from Communism.