President Donald Trump plans to continue meeting with prospective nominees for the Supreme Court through this week.
Trump interviewed four potential nominees on Monday, spending about 45 minutes with each. All are federal appeals judges: Raymond Kethledge, Amul Thapar, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
He also spoke Monday to Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. The senator's office characterized the call as an interview, but the White House would only say the two spoke.
On Tuesday, the White House said that he spoke to three more possible candidates.
White House spokesman Raj Shah disclosed the conversations. He did not detail with whom Trump had spoken Tuesday or say how many potential nominees Trump has now interviewed.
Trump has said he'll announce his pick July 9 and will chose from a list of 25 candidates.
The Senate's top Democrat is trying to rally public opposition to any Supreme Court nominee who would oppose abortion rights. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer issued a campaign-season call to action for voters to prevent such a nominee by putting "pressure on the Senate," which confirms judicial nominees.
Trump told reporters that the candidates he met with are "outstanding people and they are really incredible people in so many different ways, academically and in every other way." He spoke during an appearance with the prime minister of the Netherlands.
He has said he was homing in on up to seven candidates, including two women.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is trying to rally public opposition to any Supreme Court nominee by President Trump who'd oppose abortion rights and expanded health care coverage.
Schumer says while Democrats are outnumbered in the narrowly divided Senate, most senators back abortion rights and the added coverage created by former President Barack Obama's health care law. He says both would be threatened by a conservative Trump nominee.
Schumer writes in an opinion column in Monday's New York Times that people should pressure senators to oppose nominees who'd overturn abortion rights and Obama's statute.
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I interviewed 4 very impressive people yesterday. On Monday I will be announcing my decision for Justice of the United States Supreme Court!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 3, 2018
A big week, especially with our numerous victories in the Supreme Court. Heading back to the White House now. Focus will be on the selection of a new Supreme Court Justice. Exciting times for our country. Economy may be stronger than it has ever been!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2018
