President Trump rambled on for nearly two hours at a Minnesota campaign rally Friday — and even talked about how he could name a new Supreme Court justice if granted a second term — all the while unaware of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death.
Finally, as Trump was leaving the event at an airport in Bemidji, Minn., reporters asked his for reaction.
“She just died? Wow. I didn’t know that…She led an amazing life,” Trump said. “What else can you say? She was an amazing woman, whether you agree or not. She was an amazing woman who led an amazing life. I’m actually sad to hear that.”
During his campaign speech, Trump touted his list of potential Supreme Court nominees to the crowd of his supporters.
“RBG just died!” someone reportedly yelled — but Trump apparently did not hear.
In Washington, flags over the U.S. Capitol were ordered at half-staff as the political world mourned Ginsburg’s death.
“Tonight we mourn the passing of a giant in American history, a champion for justice, a trailblazer for women,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) of his fellow Brooklynite.
“She would want us all to fight as hard as we can to preserve her legacy,” Schumer tweeted.
Another Brooklyn native, Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), called Ginsburg’s death “a tremendous loss to our country. She was an extraordinary champion of justice and equal rights, and will be remembered as one of the great justices in modern American history.”
Former President George W. Bush honored Ginsburg’s career.
“She dedicated many of her 87 remarkable years to the pursue of justice and equality, and she inspired more than one generation of women and girls,” Bush said. “Laura and I are fortunate to have known this smart and humorous trailblazer, and we send our condolences to the Ginsburg family.”
Former President Jimmy Carter called her “a powerful legal mind and a staunch advocate for gender equality … a truly great woman.”
Former New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, whose husband appointed Ginsburg to the Supreme Court, praised Ginsburg as a trail blazer for women in all fields.
“Justice Ginsburg paved the way for so many women, including me,” she said. “There will never be another like her. Thank you RBG.”
And House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hailed the judicial giant for a lifetime of achievement and integrity.
“Justice Ginsberg embodied justice, brilliance and goodness, and her passing is an incalculable loss for our democracy and for all who sacrifice and strive to build a better future for our children,” she said.
Attorney General William Barr — admitting he was not a fan of Ginsburg’s views — said “her legal ability, personal integrity, and determination were beyond doubt. She leaves a towering legacy, and all who seek justice mourn her loss.”
In a news release, Gov. Cuomo called Ginsburg “the embodiment of all that it means to be New York tough.”
“While there is still so much progress left to be made on the march towards gender equality and women’s rights, Justice Ginsburg’s legacy will continue to be a beacon for all of us in the fight,” Cuomo said.