United States President Donald Trump

"Today our Nation mourns the loss of a titan of law. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg served more than 27 years as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States — notably just the second woman to be appointed to the court. She was a loving wife to her late husband, Martin, and a dedicated mother to her two children.

Renowned for her brilliant mind and powerful dissents at the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg demonstrated that one can disagree without being disagreeable toward one’s colleagues or different points of view. Her opinions, including well-known decisions regarding the legal equality of women and the disabled, have inspired all Americans, and generations of great legal minds."

Former Vice President and Democratic Presidential Nominee Joe Biden

"Ruth Bader Ginsburg stood for all of us. She was an American hero, a giant of legal doctrine, and a relentless voice in the pursuit of that highest American ideal: Equal Justice Under Law. May her memory be a blessing to all people who cherish our Constitution and its promise.

Let me be clear: The voters should pick a President, and that President should select a successor to Justice Ginsburg."

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo

“Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent a lifetime applying her brilliant legal mind to the crucial work of making the United States a more just and equitable nation. She was an inspiration to women around the world. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, and the millions of Americans mourning her passing. It’s on all of us to carry forward her commitment to the founding ideals of our nation."

Raimondo has ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff and also asks Rhode Islanders to lower their flags as a mark of respect.

United States Congressman Jim Langevin

“Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a fearless trailblazer and a fierce champion of equality who inspired millions through her intellect, grace, and passion. Notorious for her devotion to creating a more just world, she opened doors and shattered ceilings throughout her storied career.

I express my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues, and to all Americans who mourn her passing. Today marks a truly solemn day for our nation as we reflect on the loss of a legal giant whose tireless work in the highest court in the land made our society better for all. To honor her legacy, we must commit ourselves to preserving the democracy and the freedoms she devoted her life to protecting.

Justice Ginsburg once said: 'I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.' Without doubt, she will be remembered – for her courage, for her integrity, and for her work standing up for those whom society had cast to the margins. Rest in peace to an American hero who has forever left her mark on the soul and heart of our nation.”

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea

"We have lost a champion of voting rights, women’s rights, immigration, health care and the values that make our country great. 

Thank you Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for always striving to make America live up to its promise. 

We mourn your loss. We will continue the fight. Rest in peace, RBG."

Rhode Island Democratic Party Chair Rep. Joseph McNamara

“It is with profound sadness that we add our voice to the chorus of Americans who share their profound sadness at the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg this evening.

She was an incredible woman: tiny in stature, she was the remarkable ‘RBG,’ who was incredibly humble, smart, bluntly honest, and extraordinarily relatable. She was unafraid to take difficult stances in the most difficult matters, and showed her excellence as a Justice but her humanity in connecting with us all.

The second woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court, her impact will be felt for generations, and her loss will be just as profound. Rest in peace, Justice Ginsburg: you have left us a remarkable legacy."

United States Senator Bernie Sanders 

"The passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a tremendous loss to our country. She was an extraordinary champion of justice and equal rights, and will be remembered as one of the great justices in modern American history.

Unfortunately, we’ve already heard tonight from Sen. McConnell that he has decided to go against Justice Ginsburg’s dying wishes and violate his own past statements in order to bring a judge nominated by President Trump to the floor of the United States Senate. 

That’s in direct contradiction of his statement in 2016, when he said Supreme Court nominees should not be voted on during a presidential election year: ‘Our view is this: Give the people a voice in filling this vacancy,’ he said. McConnell is cementing a shameful legacy of brazen hypocrisy.

Thankfully not all Senate Republicans agree. 

Just today, Sen. Lisa Murkowski came out against an appointment this close to an election. ‘I would not vote to confirm a Supreme Court nominee,’ she said. ‘We are 50 some days away from an election.’ In addition, several of McConnell’s other colleagues have previously stated they’re against confirming a new justice this close to an election. Sen. Chuck Grassley said in May, ‘You can’t have one rule for Democratic presidents and another rule for Republican presidents.’ Sen. Susan Collins said, ‘I think that’s too close, I really do,’ when asked by The New York Times about appointing a justice in October. 

But no one has been clearer than Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Lindsay Graham. He promised in 2018 that ‘if an opening comes in the last year of President Trump’s term, and the primary process has started, we’ll wait to the next election.' 

The right thing to do here is clear. The Republicans in the Senate know it, and many of them have stated it clearer than I could. We should let voters decide. Period."

United States Senator Elizabeth Warren 

"Ruthie was my friend and I will miss her terribly. The t-shirts simply labeled 'RBG' made her notorious. But it was her wit, her tenaciousness, and her skill as a jurist that made her an icon.

As a young mom heading off to Rutgers law school, I saw so few examples of female lawyers or law professors. But Ruthie blazed the trail. I'm forever grateful for her example - to me, and to millions of young women who saw her as a role model.

Later, Ruthie's groundbreaking work as a legal advocate for women led to a distinguished career as a federal judge and a Supreme Court Justice. Her lifelong dedication to fighting for justice for everyone, and her love for our nation, will be sorely missed.

With voting already under way for the 2020 elections, Ruthie's 'most fervent wish' was for her replacement not to be named 'until a new president is installed.' We must honor her wish."