Takeaways from Alito
Justice Samuel Alito discussed his future, major Supreme Court rulings and political criticism in an interview with CBS News correspondent Jan Crawford. The court has begun a new term with cases involving immigration, voting rules and gun laws.
Alito, 76, has served on the court for 20 years and is a leading conservative voice. He wrote the 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and, last term, an opinion striking down Louisiana’s congressional map and limiting part of the Voting Rights Act.
Amid speculation that he might retire while Republicans control the Senate, Alito said he had considered leaving but chose to remain. He said it was too hard to predict future politics and rejected that uncertainty as a reason to decide when to step down.
Alito also said inflammatory comments from politicians in both parties can damage the court. He cited criticism from former Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and said attacks by presidents Biden and Trump had both been harsh.
Trump has criticized justices he appointed after they ruled against some of his policies; Alito dissented in those cases, including the dispute over mail-ballot rules. The court’s new term now brings further consequential cases, while Alito’s remarks renew attention to his role and the court’s relationship with political leaders.
Key points
- Alito considered retiring but decided to remain on the Supreme Court.
- He said harsh political rhetoric from both parties can damage the court.
- The new term includes disputes over immigration, voting rules and semiautomatic rifles.