In an exclusive interview with The Hill’s Saagar Enjeti, President Trump revealed his praises of Judge Merrick Garland as a potential nominee for Supreme Court Justice. Further, Trump told Enjeti, “Of course” when asked if he would fill a Supreme Court vacancy before the 2020 presidential election.”I have a lot of respect for Merrick Garland,” said Trump.

Trump even revealed that Justice Kavanaugh had “incredible things to say” about the liberal judge including calling him “brilliant”. There isn’t currently a vacancy in the Supreme Court.

During the interview, Trump openly discussed his pullback from a strike on Iran. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the potential strike because she believed Congressional approval was needed. Trump, however, explained he wouldn’t solicit Congressional approval, but said “I do like keeping them [congress] abreast.” Despite calling off an earlier strike, Trump revealed that military action is not off the table.