NOMINATIONS/SUPREME COURT/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “President Donald Trump said Monday [7-2-18] that he met with four potential Supreme Court nominees earlier in the day and planned to meet ‘two or three more’ ahead of the planned announcement of his decision next week. Speaking alongside Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte at the White House, Mr. Trump said the candidates were ‘outstanding people, they are really incredible people…’ Mr. Trump said he intended to reach a decision on the Supreme Court nominee this week and announce the decision Monday. The new justice would succeed Justice Anthony Kennedy, who said last week he planned to retire This marks the second justice Mr. Trump will name to the high court since taking office 18 months ago. The nominee will require confirmation in the Senate, where the Republicans have a 51-49 majority. Mr. Trump has been calling confidantes and friends for advice on whom he should select, a person familiar with the matter said.”
–Vivian Salama and Peter Nicholas, “Trump Meets With Four Potential Supreme Court Nominees,” The Wall Street Journal, July 2, 2018 3:12 pm