Former President George W. Bush praised President Donald Trump's nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court on Monday, calling it an "outstanding decision" and praising Kavanaugh as a "brilliant jurist."
Trump announced Kavanaugh as his pick to replace the retiring Anthony Kennedy Monday night at the White House. Kavanaugh worked in the Bush White House as an associate counsel, staff secretary and assistant to the president. He was confirmed to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2006.
"President Trump has made an outstanding decision in nominating Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court," Bush said in a statement. "Brett is a brilliant jurist who has faithfully applied the Constitution and laws throughout his 12 years on the D.C. Circuit. He is a fine husband, father, and friend—and a man of the highest integrity. He will make a superb Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States."
President George W Bush applauds selection of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, his former staff secretary. pic.twitter.com/zGTFi25Gzj
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) July 10, 2018
Kavanaugh thanked Trump for nominating him and expressed gratitude at the prospect of sitting where Kennedy did.
"The Constitution is designed to secure the blessings of liberty," he said. "Justice Kennedy devoted his career to securing liberty. I am deeply honored to be nominated to fill his seat on the Supreme Court."
Monday marked the second time Trump has nominated a Supreme Court justice in less than two years in office. He nominated Neil Gorsuch last year, who was confirmed.