Brett M. Kavanaugh
Appointed by Donald Trump
Confirmed in 2018
Biography
Justice Kavanaugh has served on the Supreme Court since 2018. He previously served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for 12 years.
Ideology Score
Conservative
Based on Martin-Quinn Score Analysis
About Martin-Quinn Scores
Martin-Quinn scores measure judicial ideology based on voting patterns. Negative scores indicate liberal voting patterns, while positive scores indicate conservative patterns. The scale typically ranges from -4 to +4.
Years on Court
8
Since 2018
Appointed By
Donald Trump
2018
Notable Rulings
June Medical Services v. Russo
2020
Dissented from striking down Louisiana abortion clinic restrictions.
Read OpinionBiden v. Texas
2022
Ruled the Biden administration could end the 'Remain in Mexico' immigration policy.
Read OpinionBiden v. Nebraska
2023
Struck down President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan.
Read OpinionCareer Path
Judge Alex Kozinski, 9th Circuit; Justice Anthony Kennedy, SCOTUS
Office of Independent Counsel (Starr Investigation)
George W. Bush White House
George W. Bush White House
U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
Supreme Court of the United States · 2018–Present
⚠️ Controversies & Allegations (3)
Christine Blasey Ford Sexual Assault Allegation
Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testified under oath that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a high school party in 1982. Kavanaugh denied it. An FBI investigation was limited in scope. He was confirmed 50–48.
Source: Senate Judiciary Committee, October 2018
Deborah Ramirez and Julie Swetnick Allegations
Two additional women — Deborah Ramirez (Yale classmate) and Julie Swetnick — made sexual misconduct allegations. The FBI did not investigate Ramirez's claim despite her witness list.
Source: New Yorker, 2018; Senate Judiciary Committee, 2018
Perjury Allegations Over Pre-Confirmation Statements
Multiple former colleagues contradicted Kavanaugh's sworn testimony about his knowledge of Democratic memos during his time as a Bush White House aide. Critics alleged perjury.
Source: Senate Judiciary letters, 2018
Financial Disclosures
Annual financial disclosure reports as required by the Ethics in Government Act.