Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized Thursday after breaking three ribs, causing her to miss her newest high court colleague’s investiture ceremony.
Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh was sworn in last month, but his investiture, which is considered a formal welcome to the Supreme Court, was held Thursday with a reception afterward for his colleagues, family and friends.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the event.
But before the formal ceremony began, the Supreme Court announced the court’s oldest justice had fallen the night before at the court and experienced discomfort, so she was taken to the hospital the following day.
The news spurred feminists to take to social media to offer their own body parts — ribs and organs — in support of Justice Ginsburg, who is 85.
Conservatives, meanwhile, held off on talking politics regarding Justice Ginsburg’s seat if she were to retire and instead wished her a quick recovery.
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Thursday that she is praying for Justice Ginsburg, calling her “a very tough woman.”
“I’ve known her for many, many years — got to see her just a few weeks ago here at the swearing-in of Justice Kavanaugh,” Ms. Conway told reporters. “I hope she has a full and speedy recovery.”
The liberal icon broke her ribs in 2012 and has survived two bouts with cancer, according to The Associated Press.
Justice Ginsburg has served on the court for more than two decades after being appointed by President Clinton in 1993.
Notable guests at Justice Kavanaugh’s event included retired Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, whom Justice Kavanaugh replaced, former White House counsel Donald F. McGahn, who was instrumental in vetting and guiding his nomination, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Justice Kavanaugh’s former colleague on the D.C. Circuit Court, Judge Merrick Garland, who was nominated to the high court by President Obama.
Acting Attorney General Matthew G. Whitaker, who replaced former Attorney General Jeff Sessions after Mr. Trump fired him Wednesday, also attended.
The chief justice usually walks the newcomer down the Supreme Court’s iconic stairs, but that part of the ceremony was eliminated because of security concerns.
Justice Kavanaugh was confirmed by a tight Senate vote, 50-48, after being accused of sexual assault and misconduct.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.
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