Trump says he’s close to making final Supreme Court decision

President Trump on Sunday said he’s “getting very close to making a final decision” about his choice to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Trump told reporters in New Jersey, where the president spent the weekend, that he expects to make a decision either Sunday night or by noon on Monday.

“We are close to making a decision,” Trump said. “It’s, well let’s just say it’s the four people. Every one you can’t go wrong.”

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Trump appeared to be referencing four judges who are considered the front-runners to be nominated: Amy Coney Barrett, Thomas Hardiman, Brett Kavanaugh and Raymond Kethledge.

Trump is scheduled to announce his choice on Monday at 9 p.m.

The president spoke with at least seven candidates last week for the looming Supreme Court vacancy, though the White House only identified one individual: Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who is not considered to be among Trump’s preferred choices.

As Barrett, Hardiman, Kavanaugh and Kethledge emerged as the likeliest choices in recent days, Republicans have begun to rally around each of them and expressed optimism that each one could be confirmed in the Senate.

“Republicans are holding four lottery tickets, and all of them are winners. If you’re a conservative Republican, the four people named … are all winners, and every Republican should embrace these picks,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on “Fox News Sunday.”

The New York Times reported Saturday that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) suggested to Trump that Hardiman and Kethledge might face less opposition in a confirmation hearing battle.