Justice Samuel Alito May Retire, Giving Trump Fourth Supreme Court Pick

Justice Samuel Alito is at the center of growing speculation about whether he will step down from the Supreme Court, potentially giving President Trump his fourth nominee to the nine-member court.

A recent hospital visit by the 76-year-old conservative justice has intensified rumors about his retirement plans. Unlike Justice Clarence Thomas, who reportedly told a clerk he plans to stay on the court for 43 years to make liberals' lives miserable, Alito may be closer to leaving.

Liberal groups are warning that Trump could reshape the Supreme Court even further. One activist noted that Trump, Thomas, and Alito understand political power better than previous leaders, referencing Ruth Bader Ginsburg's decision not to retire under President Obama.

Alito has served on the Supreme Court since 2006 and has been a reliable conservative vote on major cases involving abortion, gun rights, and religious freedom. His potential replacement would likely be equally or more conservative.

The speculation comes as the court already has a 6-3 conservative majority, thanks to Trump's previous three appointments during his first term.