President Trump hinted Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer could face consequences for his controversial remarks on two conservative Supreme Court justices.
At an abortion rights rally on the steps of the Supreme Court last week, the top Senate Democrat made remarks that critics saw as a threat against conservative Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch.
“I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions,” the New York Democrat said.
In a tweet early Monday, Trump said there would be “trouble ahead.”
Cryin’ Chuck Schumer said, “You will pay the price for this. You won’t know what HIT YOU.” That is far beyond simple rhetoric. That is a physical threat, or at least a threat that you better vote for us.” Trouble ahead!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 9, 2020
Schumer walked back his comments late last week, claiming that he misspoke.
“Now, I should not have used the words I used yesterday. They didn’t come out the way I intended to,” he said Thursday. “Of course, I didn’t intend to suggest anything other than political and public opinion consequences for the Supreme Court.”
“I shouldn’t have used the words I did, but in no way was I making a threat. I would never do such a thing,” he added.
Schumer’s original comments prompted a rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts, who called Schumer’s criticism “inappropriate” and “dangerous.”
