Alito and Thomas Say They Will Not Retire This Year
Sources say Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas are not planning to retire this year, blocking President Trump's immediate chance to name another justice.
Overview
Sources close to Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas said neither plans to retire this year, cooling speculation of a near-term vacancy.
The reports matter because President Trump said he is "prepared" to name two or three new justices if vacancies arise and he filled three seats during his first term.
Demand Justice executive director Josh Orton said the group will spend an initial $3 million and would add another $15 million if a justice retires and will run polls and ads in battleground states.
Alito is 76 and Thomas is 77; Alito was treated last month for dehydration and Thomas was hospitalized for a week in March 2022, and Senate leaders said they would move quickly on any nomination.
A vacancy would reshape midterm politics in Alaska, Maine, Ohio, North Carolina and potentially Texas and Iowa, and the court has major rulings expected by late June or early July that could heighten attention.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the developments as straightforward reporting, relying on attributed sources for retirement denials, noting justices' ages and tenure, and including Trump's remarks as direct quotes. Coverage emphasizes factual context—court makeup and upcoming cases—without loaded adjectives or speculative narration, minimizing editorial interpretation.