Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, 76, told CBS News he is considering retirement, saying judges of his age "have to think about" stepping down. He added that he still believes he can make a valuable contribution on the bench. If Alito leaves, President Donald Trump could have another opportunity to nominate a justice, a move that would affect the court's balance.
Justice Samuel Alito Says He’s Considering Retirement — Could Give Trump Another Supreme Court Pick
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says he is considering retirement and could hand Trump another nomination
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, 76, told CBS News he is actively weighing retirement, a decision that could give President Donald Trump the opportunity to nominate another justice.
"It's something that I think that somebody at my age has to think about every term," Alito said in a clip from an interview set to air Monday. "But I thought that I could still make a valuable contribution, which is why I became a justice and a judge in the first place."
Alito’s comment comes as the high court already includes three justices appointed by Mr. Trump: Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. If Alito were to leave the bench, that vacancy would present another chance for the president to shape the court’s ideological balance.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has revealed that he is considering retirement, potentially handing President Donald Trump another nomination (AP)
Legal and political analysts say any retirement would trigger intense confirmation battles in the Senate and could have lasting effects on key issues before the court. The interview clip aired on CBS News and the situation is being reported by multiple outlets, including the Associated Press.
This is a developing story.
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