Read the video transcript here arrow up arrow down
It is probably one of Donald Trump's greatest successes in the last few meters before the presidential election.
Conservative Amy Coney Barrett took her oath of office as Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.
Donald Trump, US President
"This is a significant day for America, for the United States Constitution and for the just and impartial rule of law."
The swearing in of a Supreme Court judge so shortly before the elections is actually considered a political bad habit.
Nevertheless, the majority of the Senate had voted for Trump's candidate and thus put Barrett into office.
52 Republicans voted in favor, 47 Democrats and one Republican against.
Barrett said how important her independence was to her new post.
Amy Coney Barrett, Supreme Court Judge
"It is a judge's job to oppose her political preferences. It would be a breach of duty for her to indulge in them. Federal judges are not available for election. Therefore, they have no basis to claim that their preferences reflect those of the people. This separation of duty and political preference is the peculiarity of the judiciary within the three branches of government. "
Amy Coney Barrett succeeds the late left-wing liberal justice icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg and retains her post for life.
The Democrats had demanded that only the winner of the presidential election should settle the Ginsburg succession.
One sentence by Donald Trump might sound like a mockery to many Democrats:
Donald Trump, US President
"It is very fitting that Judge Barrett should take the seat of a true pioneer in women's rights, Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg."
Now Barrett is to quickly become a full member of the Supreme Court.
Presiding judge John Roberts is due to swear in on Tuesday.
Amy Coney Barrett, Supreme Court Justice
"The rule of law must always be in control. My fellow Americans, although we judges are not influenced by elections, we continue to work for you."
With Barrett's appointment, Trump could influence US politics for decades, well beyond his term in office.
Most of all, the Democrats see President Barack Obama's health care reforms at risk, including the long-term right to abortions and same-sex marriage.