Supreme Court Justice apologises for saying Trump is '˜a faker'

Trump leaves the home of Indiana governor and possible running mate Mike Pence yesterday. Picture: AP

The leader of the court’s liberal wing sought to quiet complaints that she crossed a line in her remarks about Mr Trump, saying in a statement that judges should not comment on candidates for public office.

“On reflection, my recent remarks in response to press inquiries were ill-advised and I regret making them,” the 83-year-old justice said.

Ms Ginsburg said last week that she did not want to think about the prospect of the Republican winning the presidency over Democrat Hillary Clinton. She escalated her criticism in subsequent media interviews, including calling Mr Trump a “faker” who “really has an ego”.

Mr Trump jumped into the fray on Wednesday. He tweeted that Ms Ginsburg was an embarrassment for making “very dumb political statements about me. Her mind is shot – resign!” In subsequent tweets, he called Ms Ginsburg “incompetent” and wondered whether she would apologise.

Other Republicans have chimed in, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who called Ginsburg’s remarks “totally inappropriate”.

“She oughta stay out of it,” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. “It hurts the court when she does that.”

Ms Ginsburg was appointed to the high court in 1993 by Ms Clinton’s husband, former president Bill Clinton.

She said in an interview that she expects the next president, “whoever she will be,” probably will have several Supreme Court appointments.

Two other justices in their late seventies, Stephen Breyer and Anthony Kennedy, also could retire in the next few years.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump and some members of his family have met Indiana governor Mike Pence as speculation grows that he could be his vice-presidential pick.

Mr Trump, the likely Republican nominee, and his children were seen leaving the Pence home in Indianapolis.

The campaign said Mr Trump would name his vice-presidential pick today.