Alito Says He Weighed Retirement at 76 but Stayed on Supreme Court
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 3
Alito Says He Weighed Retirement at 76 but Stayed on Supreme Court
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 3
Summary
Samuel Alito said he considered retiring during the Supreme Court term that ended in July but chose to remain because he believes he is making “a valuable contribution.”
The 76-year-old justice told CBS News that retirement is something he will “have to” consider each year, citing uncertainty about both his future health and the political environment.
Alito’s remarks revive speculation that President Trump could gain another Supreme Court vacancy, especially with Democrats rising in polls and Senate control after November still in doubt.
The comments also refocus attention on the court’s aging conservative bloc: Alito is the second-oldest justice, while 78-year-old Clarence Thomas has signaled no plans to step down.