Indian-American Amul Thapar not in Trump's top-3 for SC-judge nominee
Indian-American judge Amul Thapar has not made it to the shortlist of three candidates from among which US President Donald Trump is likely to nominate his pick for the US Supreme Court justice. Trump is likely to announce his nominees to replace Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy on Monday, Trump has interviewed seven candidates from his master list of 25 judges. Here's more.
Thapar was among the first four interviewed by Trump
Thapar, 49, a Cincinnati-based federal appeals court judge, was among the first four candidates interviewed by Trump on July 2. According to National Public Radio (NPR), Trump has reduced the names of the potential nominees to three judges, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and Raymond Kethledge. The first two are the top contenders for the position, said NPR.
Second time that Thapar couldn't make the cut
This would be for the second time that Thapar might not be able to make it to the final cut after being interviewed by Trump. Thapar was on the shortlist of candidates after judge Antonin Scalia died in 2016. Trump finally nominated judge Neil Gorsuch.
Results will be announced on 9 July: Trump
Trump said he has interviewed some "extraordinarily talented and brilliant" people during the process. "I'm very, very happy with them and we will pick somebody who will be outstanding," he said. The US President said they are going to announce the result on 9 July at 9 pm in the White House. This will be 6.30 am, Tuesday, local India time on July 10.