On Monday, during a ceremony that was nationally broadcast, Donald Trump apologized to newly confirmed Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh for the "pain and suffering" that was inflicted upon him during his confirmation hearing, further stating to the viewing audience that Kavanaugh was "found innocent."
As you're likely aware, the not-quite-factual statement was an allusion to allegations made against Kavanaugh by California psychology professor Christine Blasey Ford. An FBI probe into accusations against the judge reportedly found no corroboration for those claims, but it was criticized by Democrats for being a toothless for-show inquiry.
"I would like to begin tonight proceeding differently than perhaps any other event of such magnitude," Trump said. "On behalf of our nation, I want to apologize to Brett and the entire Kavanaugh family for the terrible pain and suffering you have been forced to endure.
"Those who step forward to serve our country deserve a fair and dignified evaluation, not a campaign of political and personal destruction based on lies and deception. What happened to the Kavanaugh family violates every notion of fairness, decency, and due process."
Kavanaugh had officially been sworn-in on Saturday by a 50-48 margin that was almost entirely along party lines, but Trump had decided to replicate the event in the White House's East Room on Monday evening. The victory lap also included a shoutout to Maine senator Susan Collins, who cast the deciding vote, and senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Grassley.
As for Kavanaugh, he stated that the contentious nomination process “tested” but “did not change" him. He also claimed that he accepts his new position with "gratitude and no bitterness," while further saying he wouldn't "serve one party or one interest," not that there's a whole lot anybody can do about it at this point anyway.
