Ketanji Brown Jackson is celebrating her new seat on the Supreme Court in the best way possible — taking a selfie with President Joe Biden! The president was sure to congratulate Ketanji for being the first Black woman to ever be confirmed to the Supreme Court on Thursday April 7. The historic occasion was finalized by a vote in the Senate over a month after Jackson was announced as the president’s nomination to fill the seat left open by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, after he announced his retirement.
“For those who are asking,” the president joked in the caption as he and Ketanji smiled from ear-to-ear, taking in the news of her confirmation.
When the 53-47 results of the confirmation vote, which designated Ketanji to be the next Supreme Court Justice, the Senate chamber erupted in applause. Vice President Kamala Harris smiled as she read the numbers and proudly announced, “This nomination is confirmed.” Other than the roaring claps, many senators gave a standing ovation to celebrate Ketanji’s confirmation.
BREAKING: Applause breaks out in Senate chamber as Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson becomes the first Black woman ever confirmed to sit on the nation’s highest court. https://t.co/EvvheYil09 pic.twitter.com/HRA8dOUsqA
— ABC News (@ABC) April 7, 2022
The president wasn’t the only one to congratulate the newly-appointed member of the SCOTUS. First Lady Jill Biden also sent her well wishes to Ketanji on social media with a photo of the two women looking out over Washington, as she shared a special message to her about her place in history. “Judge Jackson, no one will forget the look on your daughter’s face or your husband’s pride throughout your confirmation — your journey will continue to inspire generations to come,” she wrote.
Besides the First Lady, plenty of other stars took to their social media to share their excitement that she was confirmed. Former First Lady Michelle Obama also tweeted that she was incredibly touched to see Jackson receive the historic honor. “I was so moved to see Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed this afternoon. Like so many of you, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride—a sense of joy—to know that this deserving, accomplished Black woman will be a part of the highest court in the land,” she wrote.
In addition to the aforementioned selfie, the president posted a photo of them taking another photo together and also shared an encouraging message. “Judge Jackson’s confirmation was a historic moment for our nation. We’ve taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America. She will be an incredible Justice, and I was honored to share this moment with her,” he wrote.