Speculation about potential retirements from Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas intensified in April 2026, driven by concerns over the upcoming midterm elections.

President Donald Trump has revealed he has a shortlist of nominees ready and is prepared to appoint two or three new justices if vacancies arise. He praised Alito as a "great justice" but noted the benefit of replacing him with someone who could serve for 40 years, emphasizing the need to secure the court's conservative majority long-term. Trump drew parallels to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's decision not to retire during Barack Obama's presidency, which allowed him to appoint a conservative successor after her 2020 death.

Sources close to the justices quickly pushed back against the rumors. Individuals familiar with Alito's plans confirmed he is not retiring this year and has hired law clerks for the Supreme Court's next term beginning in 2027. Similarly, associates of Thomas indicated he has no intention of stepping down in 2026. Alito, 76, experienced a minor dehydration incident earlier this year, but it did not alter his commitment to the bench.

The timing stems from political calculations ahead of the November 2026 midterms, where Republicans hold a slim Senate majority that Democrats could threaten. A retirement now would allow Trump to nominate younger conservatives for lifetime appointments while the GOP controls both the White House and the Senate confirmation process. The average retirement age for the last 10 justices was around 80, placing Alito and Thomas slightly below that mark.

Thomas, who turns 78 on June 23, recently marked a significant milestone on May 3, becoming the second-longest-serving justice in U.S. history after 35 years on the court since his 1991 appointment by George H.W. Bush. He has shaped the court's conservative direction through key rulings on gun rights, abortion, affirmative action, and religious liberty. Trump has expressed hope that both justices remain, underscoring their value to his judicial legacy.

Alito joined the court in 2006 and remains a core member of the 6-3 conservative majority. Senate Republicans, including potential nominees like Ted Cruz and Mike Lee, have voiced support for the current justices while acknowledging the strategic value of timely replacements.

As of May 6, 2026, no retirement announcements have been made, and both justices continue their duties. The Supreme Court website lists them among the current nine members, with no changes reported. Pressure from the administration and allies persists, but the justices appear committed to serving longer.