Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, the court’s second-oldest member at 76, addressed recent retirement rumors and shared insights on his judicial philosophy in a new book and interviews released this week. Despite speculation following a widely retracted report in June that he planned to retire, Alito firmly denied any intention to step down in the near future, dispelling suggestions that he would leave the court to allow President Donald Trump to appoint a fourth justice.
Alito’s book, “So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court, and Our Country,” published on October 6, is a collection of adapted speeches that explore his originalist interpretation of the Constitution and his broader views on American values. The book also reflects on his lifelong passion for baseball, which he credits with teaching him the importance of resilience through repeated disappointment, having been a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, a team historically known for losing.
Throughout his tenure, Alito has authored opinions on several divisive issues, including abortion, religious liberty, and voting rights. In April, he wrote the majority opinion in a 6-3 ruling that narrowed a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, a law that had long aimed to prevent racial discrimination in voting. The decision sided with Louisiana voters who argued that the state’s congressional map relied excessively on race. Alito described the ruling as a correction to previous court decisions that, in his view, improperly allowed race-based discrimination under the guise of benevolent purposes. Critics, including Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, contend that such rulings overlook persistent racial disparities.
On religious freedom, Alito expressed concern in his book over a decline in public support for religious liberty. He cited recent court decisions, such as the 2025 ruling he authored supporting parents who oppose the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themed books in elementary school curricula, as aligned with broader public sentiment. Known for his strong stance on religious exemptions, Alito stated his Catholic faith informs his commitment to uphold the Constitution without overstepping judicial authority or conflicting with his moral beliefs.
Alito was also asked about criticism from Justice Jackson, who has cautioned against perceived partisanship within the conservative-majority court, especially in cases involving the Trump administration. Alito rejected suggestions of partisanship, emphasizing his consistent application of legal standards regardless of political affiliation and expressing mutual respect for Jackson’s intentions.
Reflecting on the court’s recent reluctance to take up high-profile cases on issues such as race-conscious admissions at selective high schools, alleged government interference in social media, and challenges to abortion restrictions, Alito voiced frustration. He warned that avoiding contentious controversies undermines the court’s responsibility to address significant legal questions warranting prompt review.
Alito, who authored the 2022 opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion, described the decision as correcting a profound constitutional error. He acknowledged the intense backlash following the ruling, including threats and personal losses, and said serving on the court in recent years has involved enduring serious harassment and political vilification.
He defended himself against criticism related to past personal conduct, including a 2008 private jet trip linked to a hedge fund investor with cases before the court and calls for recusal regarding Jan. 6-related cases due to flags displayed at his homes. Alito expressed concern that such issues may affect the willingness of potential future nominees to accept appointments.
Despite ongoing challenges, Alito stated that he continues to see value in his service and has no immediate plans to retire. While some legal commentators have characterized him as a key conservative voice amid cultural disputes over reproductive rights, affirmative action, and religious exemptions, Alito emphasized that his decisions are grounded solely in his interpretation of the law and the Constitution, not in advocacy for any specific constituency.