President Trump indicated in a recent Fox News interview that he is prepared to replace Justice Samuel Alito on the Supreme Court if the conservative justice chooses retirement. The comments follow persistent speculation about Alito’s potential departure under Trump’s presidency to maintain a 6-3 conservative majority.
Trump stated he is “prepared” to name another justice if an older member retires, emphasizing his readiness for multiple openings: “It could be two, could be three, could be one. I don’t know — I’m prepared to do it.” He praised Alito as “one of the great justices of all time,” adding that the justice “gets the country” and does “what’s right for the country.”
The president also referenced Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s decision to remain on the court during the Obama administration, noting how her eventual passing in 2020 allowed Trump to appoint Justice Amy Coney Barrett. “Ginsburg could not do it,” Trump told Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo. “People are very angry at her.” He further remarked that Alito’s potential retirement would enable Trump to fill a vacancy without Democratic opposition, stating: “She decided that she was going to live forever, and about two minutes after the election, she went out, and I got to appoint somebody.”
Alito, 76, is currently the second-oldest sitting justice alongside Clarence Thomas, 77. Neither has publicly indicated retirement plans, though Trump has reportedly identified a shortlist of potential nominees should an opening arise this year.
