Kavanaugh's swearing-in ceremony included a speech that contradicted his fiery testimony

On Monday, President Trump held an inauguration ceremony for Brett Kavanaugh, the newest member of the US Supreme Court. At this ceremony, Kavanaugh gave a brief speech during which he adopted a rather conciliatory tone, promising to be a "team player" as SCOTUS 'newest judge. Kavanaugh's remarks Monday contrasted with his testimony at the hearing of confirmation of hearings last month, in which he accused the Democrats of orchestrating a "political coup" against him.

Kavanaugh has been appointed to the Supreme Court after an extremely controversial Senate confirmation process. The Senate confirmed his appointment on Saturday with a final vote of 50-48. As reported by CBS News, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Anthony Kennedy were officially sworn in the Supreme Court on the same day, the new SCOTUS judge. Kavanaugh will replace Judge Kennedy on the bench.

On Monday, President Trump held a swearing-in ceremony in front of an audience in the East Room of the White House. Trump made brief remarks at the ceremony and Kavanaugh then gave his own speech. Kavanaugh opened his speech by strongly asserting that the Supreme Court is not a political institution – and that it will always work collaboratively with other judges.

As Kavanaugh has described (as reported by the Chicago Sun Times):

We respect the Constitution every nine years. Article 3 of the Constitution provides that the judicial power is exercised by a supreme court. The Supreme Court is an institution of law. This is not a partisan or political institution. Judges are not sitting on either side of an alley. We do not caucus in separate rooms. The Supreme Court is a team of nine people and I will always be a team player in the team of nine people.

The outlet also noted that Kavanaugh had briefly discussed the Senate's confirmation process in his remarks to signal that he hoped to go beyond the assertion that characterized him. "… The process of confirmation of the Senate was controversial and emotional.This process is over, my goal now is to be the best judge possible.I take my duties with gratitude and without bitterness." he declares.

The apolitical tone of what Kavanaugh said on Monday seems very different from the nature of the testimony he gave at the hearing on 27 September. As MSNBC reported, Kavanaugh directly called the Democrats for what he saw as their negative treatment. during his confirmation hearings, in a heated speech:

This total two-week effort was a calculated and orchestrated political success, fueled by an apparently hidden anger about President Trump and the 2016 election, a fear unjustly fueled by my criminal record. Revenge on behalf of the Clintons and millions of dollars of money from outside opposition groups to the left. It's a circus … This grotesque and coordinated assassination will dissuade trusted and brave people from all political convictions to serve our country …

In addition to emphasizing the importance of teamwork during his Monday speech, Mr. Kavanaugh also touched on several other topics. The new SCOTUS judge praised outgoing Justice Kennedy, saying he was "humbled and proud" to sit in his place. He also thanked a host of Senate Republicans who helped get his confirmation. Finally, he spent part of the rest of his speech affirming that he had always respected and promoted women in his personal and professional life.

Overall, Kavanaugh's last speech had a very different impact from his remarks in his testimony before the Senate. Time will tell if Kavanaugh stays true to the "team player" mentality that he married during Monday's solemn swearing-in ceremony.