Last month, President Trump released an updated list of people he would nominate for Supreme Court Justice. This update expanded the list by 5 for a total of 26 potential justices. This list contains candidates like Stephanos Bibas, a former law professor and law clerk, and Judge Ralph R. Erickson, a judge from North Dakota. All the candidates share something in common: they’re conservative.
Trump previously nominated Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court, who is currently serving as the Court’s the newest member. With Gorsuch nominated and no announcements for retirement by any of the current justices, this updated list seems out of left field.
It is common knowledge that Trump and his administration are being investigated by Special Prosecutor Muller for possible collusion. However, if a Justice died tomorrow, Trump would still be able to nominate a new justice. Someone under investigation should not have this power.
While congress would have to approve his nomination, it is unclear whether they would or not. Many Americans are losing faith; a poll from Gallup shows that only 35 percent of Americans have faith in government institutions. “Military and small business get most confidence; Congress least,” reports Gallup. If Congress approved a new Justice from someone under investigation, it would lower faith in our democracy significantly, which is exactly what Russia would want. “It’s important to [Russia] to tear us down to prove that we’re just as bad and corrupt as they are,” says Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, founder of the political podcast ‘Arms Control Work’, to Business Insider.
It is unsafe to have a man tried in front of judges he appointed himself; there would be a clear conflict of interest, which should not be present in our highest court of law. Impartial judges and juries are incredibly vital to America, all Americans have a right to an impartial jury via the 6th Amendment. America was founded with this ideal, and it should not be discarded under any means.
