On April 10, 2017, Neil Gorsuch was sworn in as the 113th Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, filling the seat left vacant by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. His appointment was one of President Donald Trump’s first significant actions after taking office.
The process leading to Gorsuch’s appointment was fraught with political tension. Following Scalia’s death in February 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. However, Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, refused to hold hearings or a vote on Garland’s nomination, arguing that the vacancy should not be filled in an election year. This decision left the Supreme Court seat open for more than a year.
Donald Trump, during his presidential campaign, promised to appoint a conservative justice to the Supreme Court. After his election victory in November 2016, Trump quickly moved to fulfill this promise. On January 31, 2017, he nominated Neil Gorsuch, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, to the Supreme Court.
Gorsuch, known for his textualist approach to interpreting the Constitution, was considered a fitting successor to Scalia. His nomination was praised by conservatives and libertarians, who viewed him as a strong advocate for limited government and individual liberties.
The Senate Judiciary Committee held confirmation hearings for Gorsuch in March 2017. During the hearings, Gorsuch faced rigorous questioning from Democrats, who were still angered by the GOP’s handling of Garland’s nomination. Despite the contentious atmosphere, Gorsuch remained composed and articulate, emphasizing his commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law.
On April 7, 2017, the Senate confirmed Gorsuch’s nomination with a vote of 54-45, largely along party lines. The confirmation process was notable for the use of the “nuclear option,” a change in Senate rules to allow a simple majority vote to overcome a filibuster for Supreme Court nominations. This rule change, led by McConnell, ensured Gorsuch’s confirmation despite Democratic opposition.
Neil Gorsuch’s appointment to the Supreme Court marked a significant achievement for President Trump and the Republican Party, solidifying a conservative majority on the Court. Since joining the Court, Gorsuch has demonstrated his commitment to textualism and originalism, influencing key decisions on issues ranging from religious liberty to administrative law.