Story perspectives

Trump Urges Justices Thomas and Alito to Stay on Court

12/12/2025

Center

Trump Backs Justices

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire for Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito to remain on the bench, saying, "I hope they stay, 'cause I think they’re fantastic."
Clarence Thomas is 77 and Samuel Alito is 75, and neither has indicated retirement.
He criticized Democrats for wanting to "pack the court," citing past retirements that shaped the current 6-3 balance.

Left

GOP Distances Trump

Republicans in Congress are distancing themselves from U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the midterms due to his unpopularity.
Leigh Ann Caldwell, a Washington correspondent, reports that GOP House members may resign or skip reelection in 2026 due to fears of losses.
Twenty-three Republicans have already announced departures, signaling a discontented mood within Congress.
The political environment remains challenging, as lawmakers reevaluate positions amid voter dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic policies.

History

Historical Context

In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to expand the Supreme Court to secure support for his New Deal policies, facing significant backlash that reshaped political dynamics. This historical struggle over judicial authority resonates today, as ongoing partisan tensions surrounding Supreme Court nominations, highlighted by Trump's backing of Justices Thomas and Alito, continue to influence Republican strategies and party unity.

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Trump Backs Justices

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire for Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito to remain on the bench, saying, "I hope they stay, 'cause I think they’re fantastic."
Clarence Thomas is 77 and Samuel Alito is 75, and neither has indicated retirement.
He criticized Democrats for wanting to "pack the court," citing past retirements that shaped the current 6-3 balance.

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