Neil Gorsuch's Daughter Belinda Is Just A Teenager

After months of fanfare — and nearly one year after the seat opened up under then-President Barack Obama — President Donald Trump announced his Supreme Court nominee on Tuesday night. Trump made the announcement during primetime television, as though it were an episode of reality television, even asking those in attendance, "Was that a surprise, was it?" The showman in chief then let his pick, Neil Gorsuch speak, who acknowledged his family — even if he kept most of them out of Trump's picture-perfect announcement. Who is Belinda Gorsuch? That's the nominee's younger daughter, who is just a teenager, was watching from home in Colorado.

She and the rest of the family got a shout-out from Dad, even if she and her older sister Emma weren't in Washington, D.C., for the televised press conference. Here's what Neil Gorsuch said:

I am so thankful tonight for my family, my friends, and my faith. These are the things that keep me grounded, at life's peaks, and they sustain me in its valleys. To Louise, my incredible wife and companion of 20 years, my cherished daughters who are watching on TV, and all my family and friends, I cannot thank you enough for your love and for your prayers. I could not attempt this without you.

According to Gorsuch biography on the University of Colorado Law School website, the family lives near Boulder, just outside of the city limits. Belinda is just 15, while her older sister Emma is 17. SCOTUS Blog said that the family raises horses, chickens, and goats. Therefore, a move to a city like Washington, D.C., might be quite a challenge for the girls.

The last time Neil got a big promotion his daughters were there. Belinda, was just five when her dad was appointed to the United State Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. According to news reports at the time, Belinda and Emma helped their dad into his judge's robes and watched as Justice Kennedy swore in their father. Cookies were served to the girls afterwards.

The question this time around is whether or not he will be sworn in at all. The last time, in 2006, the entire Senate approved of his appointment, with a unanimous voice vote in favor. Now, though, Sen. Jeff Merkley has promised to filibuster the nomination. "This is a stolen seat. This is the first time a Senate majority has stolen a seat,” Merkley told Politico. “We will use every lever in our power to stop this."

If he is confirmed, though, you can bet his swearing in will once again be a family affair.