Donald Trump plans to defy the dying wish of US Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg by putting forward a candidate to replace her.
Ginsburg, who died aged 87, had pleaded for her successor to be appointed when there is a new President.
But the US President confirmed he will be putting a female nominee forward next week - a move that will see the court veer further to the right, with a 6-3 conservative majority.
This could see abortion rights come under attack.
"I will be putting forth a nominee next week. It will be a woman," Trump said at a campaign rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
"I think it should be a woman because I actually like women much more than men."
As Trump spoke, supporters chanted: "Fill that seat."
He praised Ginsburg - who once branded him a "faker" as a "legal giant", saying: "Her landmark rulings, fierce devotion to justice and her courageous battle against cancer inspire all Americans".
Trump named Amy Coney Barrett of the Chicago-based 7th Circuit and Barbara Lagoa of the Atlanta-based 11th Circuit as possible nominees for a lifetime appointment to the highest US court.
It would be his third appointment during his first term.
Even if Democrats win the White House and a Senate majority in the November election, Trump might be able to push through his choice before the new president and Congress are sworn in on January 20.
Senior congressional Democrats raised the prospect of adding more justices next year to counterbalance Trump's nominees if they win.
"Let me be clear: if Leader McConnell and Senate Republicans move forward with this, then nothing is off the table for next year," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told fellow Democrats on a Saturday conference call.
"The focus needs to be showing the public what's at stake in this fight," Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen told Reuters.
"And what's at stake is really people's access to affordable healthcare, workers' rights and women's rights."
Just days before her death, Ginsburg dictated a statement to her granddaughter Clara Spera, saying: "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."
