Rumors suggesting that two prominent conservative Supreme Court justices may retire to allow President-elect Trump to replace them were rejected by Leonard Leo, a key figure behind the Court’s conservative transformation.
The speculation has grown with Trump’s win, raising hopes that Justices Clarence Thomas, 76, and Samuel Alito, 74, might retire during his term, especially with Republicans set to control the Senate. However, neither justice has made any indication that they plan to step down.
Speculation mounts over potential retirements of Justices Thomas and Alito under Trump’s term
Leo criticized such speculation, calling it inappropriate and disrespectful. “Only Justices Thomas and Alito know when, or if, they will retire,” he said. “Discussing their potential retirement as if they are just commodities is misguided, ill-informed, and frankly, in poor taste.”
He further emphasized the importance of showing respect for the two justices, who have dedicated their careers to serving the country and the Constitution. “They deserve more dignity than the criticism some commentators have directed at them,” Leo added.
Leo, whose influence on the Supreme Court’s ideological shift has been significant, previously advised Trump during his first term as the president nominated three justices.
Replacing Thomas and Alito in a potential second term for Trump would ensure the Court retains its conservative majority, potentially locking it in for the future with younger justices filling the seats of the oldest members.
