Justice Samuel Alito says he must weigh retirement each year

Samuel Alito, a conservative member of the U.S. Supreme Court, told Jan Crawford that he feels compelled to contemplate retirement each year because of his age, though he still believes he can make a valuable contribution. He explained that predicting the political landscape, including which president might appoint a successor, is especially hard for someone of his seniority. The interview came shortly after Alito was hospitalized for dehydration following a Federalist Society dinner in Philadelphia and returned to work within a few days.

His remarks have reignited discussion about a potential vacancy that could enable a Republican president to install another conservative justice, possibly reshaping the court’s balance. Alito also discussed the personal toll of the 2022 Roe v. Wade overturning decision, citing lost friendships and threats as part of the job’s hazards. One outlet highlighted broader concerns about court security and the perception of the judiciary as a political institution.