Overview
- Fox News, citing multiple sources, reports Justice Samuel Alito is not expected to step down this term as he hires clerks for next term.
- There is no vacancy on the Supreme Court because neither Alito nor Justice Clarence Thomas has announced retirement plans.
- Trump told Fox Business he is prepared to nominate up to three justices if seats open, saying he has a shortlist ready.
- Senate Republicans signaled they could move quickly on a nominee, with Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley suggesting Ted Cruz or Mike Lee if Alito left and Cruz saying he would refuse.
- Analysis cited by Raw Story points to appellate judges Andrew Oldham, James Ho, Neomi Rao, and Amul Thapar as potential picks seen as able to unify GOP votes.