Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Says His Rulings Have Cost Him Personal Relationships
By Drooid · · How we work
Alito’s Personal Reflections
In a CBS News interview with Jan Crawford, Justice Samuel Alito, the 76-year-old appointee of President George W. Bush, disclosed that several of his Supreme Court decisions have led to the loss of long-standing friendships. He described the experience as something “you have to live with.” Alito also explained that he has not yet chosen to retire after two decades on the bench, noting that health, the political climate, and the identity of future presidents factor into his annual decision-making.
Context of the Dobbs Decision and Political Backlash
Alito authored the majority opinion in *Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization*, which overturned *Roe v. Wade* and returned abortion regulation to the states. He said the Court’s action required “courage” because of its far-reaching implications. The ruling sparked intense criticism from both Democratic and Republican leaders.
Public Perception and Threats to the Judiciary
Public confidence in the Supreme Court has declined sharply. A Gallup poll released on September 30 found that 34 percent of respondents approved of the Court’s performance, while 61 percent disapproved. A July 2026 Pew Research Center survey reported a 53 percent unfavorable view, a three-decade low.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are cases that have resulted in the loss of old friendships,” — Court Justice Samuel Alito
- “It's a sad fact that threats against judges and justices have spiked so much in recent years," Gabe Roth, executive director of the nonprofit Fix the Court, told Newsweek.” — Gabe Roth, executive director of the nonprofit Fix the Court
- “Because it's a decision wherein the court abandoned what was existing law, which was established by the court, and precedent that was nearly 50 years old, and not precedent that had been abandoned over time,” — Michele Goodwin
- “There are certain reasons why they might feel that way, might feel that the Supreme Court has done things like dismantle voting rights, dismantle what had been understood as civil rights, has ruled in ways that do not further uh, women's rights," Goodwin said.” — Michele Goodwin
