In a close 50 to 48 vote, Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh was confirmed to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court. While this was a momentous event for the Republicans and President Donald Trump, cries of “Shame!” erupted from the public galleries.

As Kavanaugh was sworn in at a private ceremony hours after the vote, hundreds of protestors gathered on the steps of the Capitol to confront the senators. Many of them included women and sexual assault survivors voicing their discontent toward the outcome, especially after Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations against Kavanaugh that had threatened his elevation to the court. Now, however, Ford wishes to no longer pursue her claims, and the division between political parties grows wider.

   Many Republican representatives believe that the confirmation battle will further incentivize their supporters in November for midterm elections due to the opposite party’s “undermined” tactics. They dismiss the activists as angry mobs that have attacked them throughout the process. President Trump also fires back, charging that the Democrats have been conducting a “shameless campaign of political and personal destruction.”

   Democrats, on the other hand, have accused the GOP of ignoring the political change brought on by the #MeToo movement that has encouraged women to stand up against harassment, especially from people in power, and evading a thorough investigation of Kavanaugh’s sexual assault allegations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer added that the Republicans “Conducted one of the least transparent, least fair, most biased processes in Senate History” and believes that in the future, “This chapter will be a flashing red warning light of what to avoid.” Like the other party, Democratic representatives also hope that this event will encourage a higher turnout to the elections.

   Nevertheless, Kavanaugh’s appointment will have a crucial impact on several nationally disputed topics such as LGBT rights, abortion, religion, and the extent of presidential power. However, it is yet to be known how he will perform as the newest justice on the Supreme Court.