Trump carries on with rally, unaware of Ginsburg’s death

President Trump on Friday carried on with his campaign rally in Minnesota, apparently unaware of the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as the political world shook.

The president took the stage in Minnesota before news of Ginsburg’s death broke. He was not informed as he delivered his standard rally speech to a crowd in Bemidji, Minn., even as reactions poured out from lawmakers, activists and common citizens.

Coincidentally, Trump touted an expanded list of potential Supreme Court nominees that he released last week shortly after the court announced Ginsburg had died.

But he carried on with his remarks, complaining about 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s email scandal, touting his immigration policy and bragging that the U.S. military has “the greatest weapons in history” and how some fighter pilots are “better looking than Tom Cruise.”

One reporter on the ground in Minnesota tweeted that a supporter shouted out that Ginsburg had died, but the president did not appear to hear.

The White House had not issued a statement while Trump was on stage but the White House flag was lowered to half staff.

Chief of staff Mark Meadows said on Twitter that Ginsburg was “a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and an inspiration to so many.”

“My prayers are with her family and friends,” he added.

Joining the whole nation tonight in mourning the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and an inspiration to so many. My prayers are with her family and friends.

— Mark Meadows (@MarkMeadows) September 19, 2020

Former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway tweeted that Ginsburg “led a remarkable life of consequence” and “inspired many women.”

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg led a remarkable life of consequence. She worked with passion & conviction, inspired many women, offered hope to other cancer survivors.

Prayers to her loved ones.

May She Rest In Peace.

— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) September 19, 2020

The president has vowed to fill any vacancy on the Supreme Court even in an election year, setting up a likely volcanic battle between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate.

Republicans did not give a hearing to Judge Merrick Garland in 2016 when Justice Antonin Scalia died in February, arguing that voters should have a say in determining which nominee could appoint his replacement.