Senior White House aides and allies are quietly preparing for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s possible departure from the Supreme Court in the near future; setting the stage for a potential brutal confirmation battle should she retire.
“The White House is reaching out to political allies and conservative activist groups to prepare for an ailing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s possible death or departure from the Supreme Court — an event that would trigger the second bitter confirmation battle of President Donald Trump’s tenure,” writes Politico.
The behind-the-scenes movement began Monday when the 85-year-old Justice missed opening arguments for the first time in 25 years on the bench. She has yet to return to the Supreme Court.
“They’re doing it very quietly, of course, because the idea is not to be opportunistic, but just to be prepared so we aren’t caught flat-footed,” said one insider.
Ginsburg is currently working from home while recovering from lung surgery late last year.