White House spokesman tries to clear air around Supreme Justice pick

White House press secretary Sean Spicer played down the speculation that U.S. President Donald Trump may be at odds with his Supreme Justice pick, who was reported as saying Trump was "demoralizing."

"He made clear that he was not referencing any specific case, he said that he finds any criticism of a judge's integrity and independence disheartening and demoralizing," Spicer said of Neil Gorsuch.

It was reported Wednesday that Gorsuch said during a conversation with Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal that he thought Trump's tweets attacking federal judges were "disheartening" and "demoralizing," but Spicer countered by saying Gorsuch's words were taken out of context.

"There is a big difference between commenting on the specific comments that have been made in the tweet, and his general philosophy about the judiciary and his respect for his fellow judges," he said.

Spicer also maintained that Trump still firmly stand by his choice, saying Trump "has no regrets. But he's very proud of the selection he's made."

In a bid to divert the conversation, Trump tweeted Thursday "Sen.Richard Blumenthal, who never fought in Vietnam when he said for years he had (major lie), not misrepresents what Judge Gorsuch told him?"

In a lunch event with Senators on both side of the aisle, Trump told the lawmakers that "Gorsuch is an exceptionally qualified nominee. Probably there's rarely been anybody that's been more qualified. He has impeccable academic and legal credentials."

Gorsuch's comments came after Trump made a string of negative remarks on federal judges who rule against his executive order temporarily banning the entry of citizens from seven Middle Eastern countries.

He called federal district court judge James Robart a "so-called judge," and accused the ruling of putting United States in danger.

The complaint against the judge raised eyebrows even among Trump's own ranks in the Republican Party.

Senate heavyweights including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Lindsay Graham have distanced themselves with Trump, saying they did not believe lashing out against a federal judge was a good idea.

Spicer said Trump will continue to speak his mind on twitter.

"The president's going to speak his mind. It goes back to Thomas Jefferson that presidents have commented on judicial nominees...the idea of one branch talking about or commenting on another branch is as old as our republic," he said.

source: Xinhua