Trump: I didn’t ask Kavanaugh about his views on abortion

President Trump on Tuesday said he did not discuss the issue of abortion with his nominee for the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh.

“No, I haven’t. I really haven’t,” Trump told reporters from the White House lawn when asked if he brought the issue up with Kavanaugh.

“Last night was incredible,” the president added before departing for a weeklong European trip. “Brett Kavanaugh got great reviews, actually from both sides. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.” 

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Trump nominated Kavanaugh on Monday night to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. The pick has divided most lawmakers along partisan lines, setting up what is likely to be a bitter confirmation battle in the Senate.

Republicans have largely praised the pick, touting Kavanaugh’s credentials and calling on Democrats to give him a prompt confirmation hearing.

Democrats have warned that the Trump nominee will vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that guaranteed a woman’s right to an abortion.

The president said last week that he did not intend to ask any of his potential nominees about their views on Roe v. Wade. But Democrats have noted that on the campaign trail Trump vowed to appoint pro-life judges, who he believed would overturn the law.

A number of women’s health groups voiced concerns about Kavanaugh’s nomination on Monday night.

During his 2006 hearing to be confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) asked Kavanaugh about his views on Roe v. Wade.

“If confirmed to the D.C. Circuit, I would follow Roe v. Wade faithfully and fully,” Kavanaugh responded. “That would be binding precedent of the court.”