For weeks now, there have been reports and speculation that one or two of the Supreme Court’s oldest members, both appointed by GOP presidents, will soon be calling it a career and stepping down, with a report on Saturday finally addressed those rumors
For weeks now, there have been reports and speculation that one or two of the
For weeks now, there have been reports and speculation that one or two of the Supreme Court’s oldest members, both appointed by GOP presidents, will soon be calling it a career and stepping down, with a report on Saturday finally addressed those rumors.
Sources close to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito confirm that he does not plan to retire this year, CBS News reported. Additionally, sources close to Justice Clarence Thomas indicate that he also intends to remain on the Court. This means that, with the midterm elections approaching, President Trump will not have the opportunity to make a fourth nomination to the Supreme Court this year, CBS News added.
Trump stated in an interview with Fox Business last week that he has a shortlist prepared and is “ready” to nominate a new Supreme Court justice if one of the court’s senior conservative members retires. This statement coincided with Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s assurance that Republicans could confirm a nominee before the 2026 midterm elections.
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Currently, there are no vacancies on the Supreme Court. Neither Alito nor Thomas had publicly indicated any plans to retire. However, Trump’s comments, aired on Wednesday, made it clear that the White House is proactively laying the groundwork, even before a formal announcement is made.
The comments underscore the importance of any potential vacancy, as Trump indicated he is prepared
The comments underscore the importance of any potential vacancy, as Trump indicated he is prepared to take advantage of the chance to strengthen the court’s conservative majority. The Hill noted separately that Trump framed the choices in straightforward terms: “It could be two, could be three, could be one. I don’t know, I’m prepared to do it.” Trump also praised Alito, calling him “one of the great justices of all time.”
“Justice Alito is an unbelievable justice, and a brilliant justice, and he gets the country,” Trump told Bartiromo. “He does what’s right for the country. It’s the law, and he goes by it as much as anybody, but he gets to the point. That’s good for our country. So … one way you should be, ‘Oh, I’m thrilled,’ but he’s so good.”
Rumors about Alito, 76, potentially retiring have been circulating due to his age, his two-decade tenure on the bench, and speculation that he may wish to ensure a conservative successor is confirmed by the current Republican-led Senate.
The rumors intensified when it was disclosed that Alito had been treated for dehydration after falling ill at a Federalist Society dinner last month. A Supreme Court spokesperson clarified at that time that the justice was “thoroughly checked” and returned to the bench the following Monday.
Alito reported feeling lightheaded, prompting his security detail to recommend a hospital visit. Two sources who were present said there was no emergency and that Alito did not faint, Fox News reported.
Several conservative jurists, including appellate Judge James Ho and Florida based federal Judge Aileen Cannon
Several conservative jurists, including appellate Judge James Ho and Florida-based federal Judge Aileen Cannon, have been mentioned in legal circles as potential candidates for a future Supreme Court vacancy, though Trump has not publicly indicated any preferences.
Meanwhile, speculation is mounting over a pending Supreme Court decision that could reshape federal elections, as the case Louisiana v. Callais is widely seen as one of the most consequential election law disputes in years.
At issue is whether parts of the Voting Rights Act (VRA)—specifically Section 2, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting—conflict with equal protections under the nation’s founding document. The case centers on Louisiana’s congressional map and whether the creation of a second majority-black district unconstitutionally prioritizes race in redistricting.
Former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer added to that speculation this week, claiming that the decision may already be complete but is being held up internally. Speaking in a media interview, Spicer said he had been told the ruling is finished but that dissenting justices could be delaying its release.
“I have been told by reliable sources that the decision is done and the minority is slow walking the dissent,” Spicer said, suggesting the delay will limit the time states would have to redraw congressional maps ahead of the midterms.
