'He will be greatly missed!': Donald Trump mourns the death of globally acclaimed attorney David B. Rivkin Jr

US President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his sorrow over the passing of renowned attorney David B. Rivkin Jr., calling him a "superstar" and a "great lawyer, scholar, and defender" of his legal interests.

In a tribute posted on Truth Social, Trump conveyed his condolences to Rivkin’s wife, Diana, and his family, adding that his loss will be "greatly missed."

"Sorry to inform you that Superstar Attorney David Rivkin just passed away. He was a great lawyer, scholar, and defender of mine. Our hearts and prayers are with his incredible wife, Diana, and family. He will be greatly missed!" Trump said in his post.

Who was David B. Rivkin Jr.?

David B. Rivkin Jr. was widely respected for his extensive career in constitutional, administrative, and international law. As a partner at the law firm BakerHostetler LLP, he co-led the firm’s appellate and major motions group, where he handled a series of high-profile cases that earned him national recognition.

One of the defining moments of Rivkin's career came in 2012, when he represented 26 states in their challenge to the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act before the US Supreme Court. His leadership in this landmark case cemented his status as a significant figure in American legal circles.

Rivkin's influence extended beyond national borders. He represented Croatia at both the International Criminal Tribunal and the International Court of Justice, working on matters related to international humanitarian law and wartime regulations.

His expertise was also called upon in national security issues, where he defended former US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and worked on cases involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, sanctions compliance, and environmental law.

Rivkin's work in government was equally notable. During the George H.W. Bush administration, he played a key role in regulatory reform, particularly in the energy and environmental sectors.

As Special Assistant for Domestic Policy, he led efforts to modernise natural gas pipeline regulations, including the formulation of Order 636. He also worked on climate change policies and clean energy initiatives as part of his tenure at the Department of Energy.

Rivkin’s government service included roles as a Legal Advisor to the Vice President’s Counsel, as well as positions in the White House Counsel’s Office and the Department of Justice.

From his involvement in high-stakes legal battles to his contributions to public policy, David B. Rivkin Jr. left an indelible mark on the legal and political landscapes, making his passing a significant loss to both fields.

(With inputs from ToI)