COLLEGE PARK, Maryland – On Saturday, Judge Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed as a Supreme Court justice, making him the 114th member to hold the coveted seat. However, his confirmation was not without controversy.
In July, Christine Blasey Ford came forward with a story about Kavanaugh when his name was on the “short list” of candidates for the seat, according to a Washington Post article from that month. She stated that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a high school party in 1982.
Her story gained traction and grabbed headlines just weeks before Kavanaugh’s scheduled confirmation hearing, forcing members of the senate committee to reconsider their votes for or against Kavanaugh.
In September, Ford, a professor, testified in front of the committee, which lead to an FBI investigation into her allegations. The FBI wrapped their investigation on Wednesday and Kavanaugh was confirmed on Saturday.
Social media users across the country discussed the controversy and the confirmation using the hashtags #KavanaughHearing, #KavaNOPE and #IBelieveChristineBlaseyFord.
Maryland politicians were among those who joined the conversation on Twitter.
Civil liberties. Workers’ rights. Reproductive choice. Protections for people with preexisting conditions. Clean water. Abuse of power – including @POTUS‘ abuses.
Judge #Kavanaugh also fails on the issues. He shouldn’t be given the authority to shape them for generations. pic.twitter.com/xX5CCytwD2
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) October 4, 2018
To #BelieveSurviors is not to betray anyone. False accusations occur at similar rates with every crime. Yet sexual assault remains underreported… and in the case of #Kavanaugh the investigation was far from complete. 3/
— Ben Jealous (@BenJealous) October 5, 2018
Just read the #FBIReport on Judge #Kavanaugh, and I am deeply unsatisfied. The scope was artificially limited, neither Dr. Ford nor Judge Kavanaugh were interviewed, and it raised more questions than answers. Not at all the thorough investigation that was required and requested.
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) October 4, 2018
Many Marylanders voiced their opposition to Kavanaugh’s confirmation.
Ladies, enjoy your reproductive rights while we still have them! #KavaNOPE #Kavanaugh #Kavanaughvote #PlannedParenthood #IBelieveChristineBlaseyFord
— Crunches and Crayons (@crunchsncrayons) October 5, 2018
I think what scares me the most about @BrettKavanaugh being placed on the supreme court is now men may feel like they can get away with rape. And when you feel like you can get away with something, you are more likely to do it. #BrettKavanaugh #Kavanaugh
— C (@capricarrious) October 8, 2018
I like beer…I don’t like #Kavanaugh …#KavaNO
— ed weathers (@ed_weathers) October 6, 2018
Others were pleased with Kavanaugh’s confirmation.
114 in the books y’all. We got him!???? #kavanaugh #maga #stillwinning
— Spencer D. Shiflett (@augustdean98) October 6, 2018
@SenatorCollins WOW! God bless you for extensive homework re Judge #Kavanaugh, and your very informative and articulate presentation on the Congressional floor in public support of the judge based upon your thorough research. Thank you
— GEB (@watlik) October 5, 2018
**magic is in the air** lol I have a feeling that my prayers will be answered & #Kavanaugh gets confirmed to #SCOTUS !!!
— “Big Voice!” (@Four4JUSTICE) October 1, 2018
Despite divides in public opinion, Justice Brett Kavanaugh who was sworn in over the weekend, is set to hear his first oral argument as a Supreme Court justice today.
Last night was a historic night at the White House. See the swearing-in ceremony of our 114th United States Supreme Court Justice, Brett M. Kavanaugh, in photos: https://t.co/uFiQ2AJk0I pic.twitter.com/RE0cSc7yYa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 9, 2018