The widow of Justice Antonin Scalia was in the audience when President Trump announced Judge Neil Gorsuch as his nominee to fill the late justice's Supreme Court seat.

Maureen Scalia was greeted with hearty applause when Trump acknowledged her in the East Room of the White House.

"With us tonight is Maureen Scalia, a woman loved by her husband and deeply respected by all. I am so happy she is with us," Trump said, before asking her to stand. "Thank you, Maureen. She's really the ultimate representative of the late great Justice Antonin Scalia, whose image and genius was in my mind throughout the decision-making process."