Trump Says He’s ‘Prepared’ To Replace Alito Amid Retirement Rumors

President Trump stated in an interview with Fox Business earlier this week that he has a shortlist prepared and is “ready” to nominate a new Supreme Court justice if one of the court’s senior conservative members retires. The statement coincided with Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s assurance that Republicans could confirm a nominee before the 2026 midterm elections.

Currently, there are no vacancies on the Supreme Court. Neither Justice Samuel Alito, who is 76, nor Justice Clarence Thomas, who is 77, has publicly indicated any plans to retire. However, Trump’s comments, aired Wednesday during an interview with Maria Bartiromo, made it clear that the White House is proactively laying the groundwork, even before a formal announcement is made.