President Trump called protesters demonstrating in favor of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh “a beautiful thing to see” as crowds gathered at the Capitol on Saturday morning.
“They are not paid professional protesters who are handed expensive signs,” he tweeted.
Trump had accused those demonstrating against Kavanaugh of being professionals paid to make senators look bad on Friday, characterizing the contentious protests as being by “very rude elevator screamers.”
Protesters interrupted Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, later Friday as she started her speech revealing she would support Kavanaugh’s nomination on the Senate floor. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., was thronged by protesters chanting “Shame! Shame! Shame!” outside his office Friday. Some Republican senators who were targeted by activists, including Collins, were escorted around the Capitol by police.
More than 300 people were arrested Thursday in the protests, which have hounded the Senate throughout the week. Various celebrities, including comedian Amy Schumer, have spoken out against the nominee.
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protest
Protesters turn out in D.C. to protest Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote amid allegations of high school drinking and sexual assault.
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protest
Protesters turn out in D.C. to protest Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote amid allegations of high school drinking and sexual assault.
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protest
Protesters turn out in D.C. to protest Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote amid allegations of high school drinking and sexual assault.
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protest
Protesters turn out in D.C. to protest Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote amid allegations of high school drinking and sexual assault.
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protest
Protesters turn out in D.C. to protest Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote amid allegations of high school drinking and sexual assault.
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protest
Protesters turn out in D.C. to protest Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote amid allegations of high school drinking and sexual assault.
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protests
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protests
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protests
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protests
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protests
(Graeme Jennings/Washington Examiner)
Kavanaugh Confirmation Protests
Amy Schumer (pictured center) and Emily Ratajkowski (right) are seen with other protesters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
(Graeme Jennings / Washington Examiner)
