President Trump has indicated he is prepared to replace a Supreme Court Justice if one retires under his presidency, according to remarks in a recent Fox News interview. The comments come as speculation intensifies over whether Justice Samuel Alito, 76, will step down from the bench this year—a potential move that could solidify a conservative majority on the court.
In an interview with Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo, Trump stated he is “prepared” to name another justice if an older member retires, adding, “It could be two, could be three, could be one. I don’t know — I’m prepared to do it.” He praised Alito, calling him “one of the great justices of all time,” and noted his belief that Alito “gets the country” and does “what’s right for the country.”
Trump also referenced Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s decision to remain on the Court during the Obama administration, stating: “Ginsburg could not do it, and she really hurt herself within the Democrat Party.” He further remarked that Ginsburg’s choice to stay led to his ability to appoint a replacement after her death in 2020, saying, “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.”
While Alito, the second-oldest Justice on the Court next to Clarence Thomas, has faced months of retirement speculation, neither justice has publicly indicated plans to leave. Trump acknowledged uncertainty about whether Alito or Thomas would retire but confirmed he maintains a shortlist of potential nominees for an opening this year.