Justices Alito and Thomas Intend to Remain on Supreme Court This Year
Sources close to Supreme Court justices say neither Samuel Alito nor Clarence Thomas plans to leave the bench this year. Insiders told reporters both men expect to continue serving through the election period.
The disclosures remove a likely path for President Trump to make a fourth nomination to the court before the midterms. His potential window for another appointment now appears limited.
Who the justices are
Samuel Alito is 76 and joined the court in 2006. Clarence Thomas is 77 and has served since 1991.
Both are central figures in the court’s conservative majority. Their decisions influence many high-profile rulings.
How the information surfaced
Fox News first reported on Alito’s plans. CBS News obtained confirmation that Thomas does not intend to step down.
Sources indicate Justices Alito and Thomas intend to remain on the Supreme Court through this year. Their offices did not announce retirements.
Political context and presidential remarks
President Trump told Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business he is “prepared” to name new justices if vacancies appear. He said that number could be one, two, or three.
He praised Alito as “a great justice.” Trump previously appointed three justices during his first term.
Trump’s past Supreme Court appointments
- Neil Gorsuch
- Brett Kavanaugh
- Amy Coney Barrett
Pending court work and timing
The court is scheduled to issue major rulings this spring. Cases include challenges to birthright citizenship rules.
Other decisions will involve deportation protections for Haitians and Syrians and disputes over late-arriving mail-in ballots. Opinions are expected by late June or early July.
With the midterm elections approaching, the confirmed intentions of these justices shape both political strategy and the court’s short-term docket. Filmogaz.com will monitor further developments.
