It was a line toed by several Senate Republicans who used the word “disgrace” several times to characterise the confirmation hearing in the days after Dr Ford came forward with her allegations.

Republican Susan Collins had called the confirmation process a “dysfunctional circus” and said “when passions are inflamed, fairness is most in jeopardy” in a 45-minute speech defending her “yes” vote on Mr Kavanaugh.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said after the vote that putting Mr Kavanaugh on the court “was about treating someone fairly”.

Mr Kavanaugh is reportedly going to hire all female law clerks for his office, the news of which only added to the tension on Saturday.