Trump says to refine the Supreme Court's search to 2 suitors

"We did not rule out the other two", decla the announcement of Trump. aim, which confirmed that Hardiman and Kavanaugh are considered favorites from Monday morning. The Republican close to the process has described as "very unlikely" that Kethledge or Barrett have the seat.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump remained shy during the search, promising to choose from a list of 25 contenders for the campaign era, who were enlightened by the conservatives but who did not make it publicly known which he favored.

"I've heard for a long time that the most important decision that a US president can make is the selection of a Supreme Court judge – will be announced tonight at 9:00 pm "Trump wrote on Monday morning.

The White House has evolved rapidly since Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement on June 27, recognizing the legacy potential of the Trump Supreme Court's second choice.

Trump also asked councilors who will be the candidate Neil Gorsuch, whom Trump raised in court shortly after taking office, according to a friend who has spoken to the president in recent days.

Kavanaugh, 53, stands out as the most establishment choice. A former Kennedy clerk and a graduate of Yale Law School, Kavanaugh has served at the powerful DC Circuit Court since 2006. But he also has strong ties to the Bush family – which could be an important mark against him – and some conservatives have expressed He fears that he is not reliable on hot topics such as abortion and Obamacare.

His candidacy could also be affected by his long record of the Bush White House and his time as a lawyer for Ken Starr, Whitewater's independent attorney. This could slow down a confirmation process that Republicans hope to have completed before mid-November.