In the abortion controversy, Kavanaugh wanted the justices to sidestep any ruling on the merits of a Louisiana law that could have closed abortion clinics in the state, CNN has learned. In 2018, Trump chose Kavanaugh to succeed Kennedy, convinced by advisers that the Bush loyalist would be true to Trump and his brand of conservatism. Kavanaugh had laid groundwork for that position in February 2019, when the majority blocked the Louisiana abortion law from taking effect while the lawsuit was pending. In fact, in his 15 years on the high court, Roberts had never cast a vote to invalidate an abortion regulation. In the House case, Kavanaugh eventually signed on to Roberts' opinion for a seven-justice majority, which said Trump could be forced to turn over the financial records if the House could justify its request.

Source: CNN July 29, 2020 10:07 UTC