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3d ago

Senate GOP Vows Pre‑Midterm Vote If Alito Retires as Trump Readies Supreme Court Shortlist

Republican declarations this week raise pressure on Alito’s timing.

Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas
U.S President Donald Trump poses with U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit Judge Amy Coney Barrett and her family at an event to announce her as his nominee to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on September 18, at the White House in Washington, U.S., September 26, 2020.
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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas looks on inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Trump, in a Wednesday Fox Business interview, said he is prepared to nominate one, two, or even three justices and has a shortlist ready.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Tuesday that Republicans are prepared to confirm a nominee before November if Justice Samuel Alito retires after the court’s term ends in early summer.
  • Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley floated Senators Ted Cruz or Mike Lee as potential choices, and Cruz said he does not want the job even as GOP leaders signal they can move a nominee quickly.
  • No justice has announced plans to step down, and Alito, 76, returned to the bench after treatment for dehydration last month, which means the current discussion remains speculative.
  • Analysts note many justices time retirements for when the White House and Senate align with their views, a factor Republicans highlight as they weigh a narrow Senate majority that could shrink after the midterms.