News of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death Friday evening was met with an outpouring of tributes from figures across the political spectrum as the country reeled from the passing of one of its most beloved public officials.
Democratic and Republican leaders in the House and Senate honored Ginsburg’s dedication to public service and her status as a trailblazer for women, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ordering flags at the Capitol to be flown at half-staff.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called the death “devastating” and praised Ginsburg as an “icon.”
“Justice Ginsburg embodied justice, brilliance and goodness, and her passing is an incalculable loss for our democracy and for all who sacrifice and strive to build a better future for our children,” she said in a statement.
Pelosi’s counterpart in the Senate, Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), called Ginsburg “a giant in American history, a champion for justice, a trailblazer for women.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) praised Ginsburg’s service on the court and indicated he intends to consider President Trump’s nominee to fill her vacancy.
“Justice Ginsburg was thoroughly dedicated to the legal profession and to her 27 years of service on the Supreme Court. Her intelligence and determination earned her respect and admiration throughout the legal world, and indeed throughout the entire nation, which now grieves alongside her family, friends, and colleagues,” he said in a statement.
“Americans reelected our majority in 2016 and expanded it in 2018 because we pledged to work with President Trump and support his agenda, particularly his outstanding appointments to the federal judiciary. Once again, we will keep our promise,” he added. “President Trump’s nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close ally of President Trump, said that while he had many disagreements with Ginsburg’s “legal philosophy,” he appreciated her service. He also called her a “trailblazer.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) tweeted: “I pray that the same force of principles to which Justice Ginsburg held herself will help guide the leaders of this country.”
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) noted he had judicial differences with Ginsburg, but praised her as a “titan” of the Supreme Court.
“Her unwavering commitment to public service has inspired a generation of young Americans – particularly women – to reach for their dreams,” he tweeted.
Eric Trump, one of President Trump’s sons, also weighed in, calling her “a remarkable woman.”
Democratic presidential candidates, including Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.) and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (Texas), also released statements praising her.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her statement said Ginsburg “paved the way for so many women, including me. There will never be another like her.”