Washington
Samuel Alito says he weighed retirement and will revisit departure in 2027
Justice Samuel Alito confirmed on October 2, 2026, that he considered stepping down at the end of last term. He said he would think about retiring again in 2027.
Why it mattersA departure could allow Donald Trump to nominate another justice while Republicans control the Senate.
How we got here
- Alito stated he did not plan to retire imminently and indicated he would serve another term. Politico
- Excerpts from Alito’s CBS News interview were released; he said he had considered retiring at the end of the previous term and would think about it again in 2027. Politico, The Hill
- Alito stated that he would revisit the retirement question without providing a specific date. Politico
What's likely next
- The Supreme Court’s October Term 2026 calendar listed a session beginning October 5, 2026.
All coverage
The coverage
- Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says he is considering retirement and could hand Trump another nominationThe Independent · Oct 2
- Alito says there's no perfect time to step down after retirement rumorsWashington Examiner · Oct 2
- Justice Alito: 'I Thought About' Retiring This SummerNewsmax · Oct 3
- Justice Samuel Alito: 'I thought about retiring' at end of last termThe Hill
- Alito bats down retirement rumors: 'Obviously I'm here for ...Politico
Analysis & opinion
- Should I Stay or Should I Go?The New Yorker · Sep 28 · opinion
- Endorsement: Support justice by retiring this Supreme Court judgeOrlando Sentinel · Oct 1 · opinion
- It’s only fair to retire this Florida justiceSun Sentinel · Sep 28 · opinion
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