President Trump said Thursday he has narrowed his search for a Supreme Court nominee to two or three candidates and will make a final decision on Sunday, one day before he makes an announcement.
“I think I have it down to four people and I think of the four people, I have it down to three or two,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
The president would not reveal the names on his short list, but said “they’re all outstanding.”
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“I don’t want say the four. But I have it down to four,” he said. “I’ll have a decision made in my mind by Sunday. We’ll announce it on Monday. I’ll give you the answer.”
Trump has focused his search on three federals appeals court judges: Brett Kavanaugh, Raymond Kethledge and Amy Coney Barrett, according to a source familiar with the process. Kavanaugh and Kethledge are said to be slight favorites.
The president said he would announce his decision with fanfare during a 9 p.m. event at the White House on Monday. Trump used a similar televised event to introduce his first Supreme Court pick, Neil Gorsuch, last year.
Trump said he plans to make his decision over the weekend after meeting with White House aides at his New Jersey golf club. Vice President Pence is also accompanying Trump to the Bedminster, N.J., property.
Seven candidates have spoken with Trump about the vacancy left by retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy, who announced last week he would step down.
The White House is pushing forward quickly with the nomination process in hopes of having a replacement for Kennedy in place when the court begins its fall session in October.