Neil Gorsuch is expressing his distaste over how President Trump — who nominated him to the Supreme Court just last week — has attacked the Seattle federal judge who blocked his executive order on immigration and refugees.
Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal told reporters Wednesday that Gorsuch, in a meeting with him, referred to the president’s recent attacks as “demoralizing” and “disheartening.”
“He certainly expressed to me that he is disheartened by the demoralizing and abhorrent comments made by President Trump about the judiciary,” Blumenthal said at the Capitol.
Ron Bonjean, an aide on Gorsuch’s confirmation team, confirmed Gorsuch’s comments to Blumenthal.
Over the weekend, Trump referred to James Robart of the Federal District Court in Seattle as a “so-called judge” in a tweet.
The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017
Robart blocked Trump’s executive order temporarily restricting immigration from certain Muslim-majority countries of concern with terrorism problems.
It’s not clear how Trump will react to his nominee for the high court criticizing him before his confirmation.
The White House has not responded to a request for comment.
Last week, Trump announced Gorsuch as his nominee to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court.
“I have selected an individual whose qualities define — really, and I mean closely define — what we’re looking for,” Trump said at the time. “Judge Gorsuch has outstanding legal skills, a brilliant mind, tremendous discipline and has earned bipartisan support.”
Speaking at the announcement held in the East Room of the White House, Gorsuch said: “Mr. President, I am honored and I am humbled. Thank you very much.”
Susan Crabtree contributed
