Trump will be blocked from putting ‘rightwinger’ on supreme court, Schumer says

Chuck Schumer, who is set to become Senate majority leader, says Democrats will block Donald Trump from appointing a conservative justice to the US Supreme Court. His comments preview a broader effort to use Democrats’ new congressional majorities to resist Trump’s appointments and policies.

Four justices are in their 70s, including the court’s oldest members, Clarence Thomas, 78, and Samuel Alito, 76. Trump appointed three justices during his first term, helping establish the court’s 6–3 conservative majority. Democrats have secured 54 Senate seats, potentially rising to 56 if two undecided races go their way, and at least 253 House seats; they also plan investigations and legislation on issues including Medicaid cuts and funding for the Iran war.