Welcome back to Trump Watch. It's a special weekend “Kennedy retirement” edition. As Trump interviews possible replacements this weekend in New Jersey, a look at what (and who) is influencing his decision. Plus, the special counsel's office and lawyers for Paul Manafort ready for trial in July. Thanks for reading and please send emails to [email protected] or tweet me at @elliskkim.

Trump Reigns Supreme

● Kennedy's legacy was massive.● His exit under Trump means the center of the court could lurch to the right.● And while conservatives are very, very happy, liberals are … not.

Trump wants a “strong” justice. not weak White House Counsel Donald McGahn last year praised Trump is of course looking for a justice who he thinks is reliably, in fact unwaveringly, conservative. railed said brag talk on Twitter Brett Kavanaugh told Who are the personalities driving the decision? Leonard Leo eyeing a return Reuters. Rob Luther included David Morrell Linkedin bio Beth Williams had to withdraw Ann Donaldson Who else is pulling for Trump's short-listers? Sixth Circuit Judge Amul Thapar backed favorite could endear him heavily lobbied Eleventh Circuit Judge William Pryor Senator Mike Lee Trump still needs to mind his politics. within a day later Judge Amy Coney Barrett's

An important thought from the week: Dan Epps First Mondays Jack Goldsmith Wash Post Leah Litman's SCOTUSBlog Joshua Matz Wash Post

Mueller and Manafort Gear Up for Trial

In Washington, a mystery Manafort lawyer appears... A new attorney drew some attention this week civil complaint erols.com

The scene from the newsroom …

I end with a question: What were you doing when you learned of Kennedy's retirement? Write me “He's out.” from Brett Kavanaugh

Happy Independence Day! Thanks for reading.

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