Donald Trump names Brett Kavanaugh as supreme court nominee – as it happened

Kavanaugh says he’s “deeply honored” to be nominated to fill Kennedy’s seat on the supreme court. He points to his mom and dad, who are in the audience. He is also joined by his wife, Ashley, and two daughters.

Trump: “What matters is not a judges political views but whether they can set aside those views to do what the law and the constitution require. I am pleased to say that i have found without doubt that person.”

That person, he says is Brett Kavanaugh, a former Kennedy clerk and a judge on the US Court of Appeals for DC.

Trump says there is “no one more qualified” in America. He says “deserves a swift confirmation and “robust bipartisan” support.

Trump said the selection of a supreme court justice is the most important decision a president makes “other than matters of war and peace”.

He begins his remarks by thanking retiring justice Kennedy for a lifetime of achievement.

Trump also praises Justice Antonin Scalia, whose widow, Maureen, is in the East Room for the ceremony.

“What matters is not a judges political views but whether they can set aside those views to do what the law and the constitution require. I am pleased to say that i have found without doubt that person.”

FreedomWorks, the conservative advocacy group, has put out a statement applauding Trump for choosing Kavanaugh.

“Judge Kavanaugh is a fantastic choice to succeed former Justice Kennedy on the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh has proven to be a staunch conservative who has relied on originalism and textualism while serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. We are confident he would strengthen the conservative wing of the Court and preserve the Constitution, as the framers intended.

“Judge Kavanaugh’s criticism of the Chevron deference demonstrates his skepticism towards letting unaccountable government agencies run the show when it comes to regulations. Justice Kavanaugh’s dissent in USTA v. FCC paved the way for the repeal of the needless Title II regulation of the internet. FreedomWorks calls upon Majority Leader McConnell to act swiftly and ensure Kavanaugh is confirmed on the Senate floor. We look forward to supporting Kavanaugh throughout the confirmation process.”

Melania Trump just received a standing ovation as she walked into the East Room. The announcement should be underway any minute.

A peak into the White House East Room where POTUS is expected in T-minus 10 minutes.

Alan Dershowitz, the constitutional scholar and persona non grata on Martha’s Vineyard, tells CNN’s Anderson Cooper that he believes the nominee will be Brett Kavanaugh. He also predicts that Roe v Wade will be chipped away slowly – not overturned.

Signing off, he adds: “But remember, the president does head fakes. So don’t be surprised if there’s a surprise.”

Protests are underway outside the Supreme Court. Activists on both sides of the abortion debate have gathered on the steps ahead of the announcement.

The pro-choice organization NARAL has organized a rally outside the court following Trump’s announcement at 9:30pm. Progressive senators Cory Booker and Elizabeth Warren are excepted to address the crowd.

The Wall Street Journal is being very cautious in its reporting that “people close” to the president “expect” it to be Brett Kavanaugh. We’ll have to wait until 9pm to be sure.