Incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said in a radio interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt that President-elect Donald Trump will announce his pick for the Supreme Court around the time of his inauguration.
“I think that’s going to be something that we’re going to start after the new year,” Priebus said. “And certainly by the time we get to inauguration, either shortly before or shortly thereafter, we’ll reveal the name of who our nominee will be.”
Priebus also said Trump had cut the list of 21 names he released months ago to “probably three or four.”
The high court has been one member short since Associate Justice Antonin Scalia’s sudden death on February 13. President Obama, a month later, nominated appeals court judge Merrick Garland to the post, but Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked the confirmation process, saying voters ought to have the say about which party gets the nomination.
Among the 21 names Trump originally released: U.S. Sen. Mike Lee; Florida Chief Justice Charles Canaday, Judge William Pryor Jr., Georgie Supreme Court Justice Keith Blackwell, Colorado Supreme Court Justice Allison Eid, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen and Utah Supreme Court Justice Thomas Lee – the brother of Sen. Mike Lee.
Some in conservative circles are still hoping Trump might consider Sen. Ted Cruz for the post, as well.
Priebus said to Hewitt age was a factor.
“I tend to believe younger is better,” he said, while adding competence would still be the top consideration.
