The Volokh Conspiracy

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Volokh Conspiracy

Judge Neil Gorsuch criticizes President Trump's condemnations of the judiciary

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 1: Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch looks on as Senate Judiciary chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) speaks to reporters before their meeting on Capitol Hill, February 1, 2017 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump has nominated Judge Gorsuch to the Supreme Court to fill the seat that had left vacant with the death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia in February 2016. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch on Capitol Hill on Feb. 1. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Abby Phillip, Robert Barnes and Ed O'Keefe of The Post report here:

President Trump's escalating attacks on the judicial branch drew denunciation Wednesday from his Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, who told lawmakers that the attacks were "demoralizing" and "disheartening" to the independence of the federal courts.

"I told him how abhorrent Donald Trump's invective and insults are towards the judiciary. And he said to me that he found them 'disheartening' and 'demoralizing' - his words," Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D- Conn.) said in an interview.

Gorsuch "stated very emotionally and strongly his belief in his fellow judges' integrity and the principle of judicial independence," he added. "And I made clear to him that that belief requires him to be stronger and more explicit, more public in his views."

Gorsuch's comments to Blumenthal were confirmed by Ron Bonjean, a member of the judge's group of aides tasked with helping him navigate the confirmation process.