Former President George W. Bush offered rare praise of President Trump on Monday evening for nominating Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, a judge he first appointed to the 3rd Circuit Court in 2003.
“President Trump has made an outstanding decision in nominating Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Brett is a brilliant jurist who has faithfully applied the Constitution and laws throughout his 12 years on the D.C. Circuit,” Bush said in a statement.
Kavanaugh, he added, is “a fine husband, father, and friend – a man of the highest integrity. He will make a superb Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.”
[Related: John McCain praises Brett Kavanaugh as ‘fair, mainstream judge’ with ‘impeccable credentials’]
Kavanaugh served as White House staff secretary under Bush prior to being appointed to the D.C. 3rd Circuit. He previously worked as a clerk to retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy, who he will replace on the Supreme Court if confirmed.
Trump’s announcement came at 9 p.m. ET Monday night, following widespread speculation throughout the day that he had narrowed his two choices down to Kavanaugh and Judge Thomas Hardiman.
Some White House allies had previously suggested Kavanaugh’s ties to the Bush family, which has been critical at times of the president, would jeopardize his chances of becoming the nominee.
But Trump on Monday said he was impressed with Kavanaugh’s extensive record and the fact that he’s considered “a judge’s judge.”
“He’s a brilliant jurist with a clear and effective writing style universally regarded as one of the finest and sharpest legal minds of our time,” Trump said.
