'Vultures circling': Alito sounds alarm over Supreme Court's future amid retirement rumors
WASHINGTON, DC: Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is warning that political pressure on the judiciary could have lasting consequences for the institution, while acknowledging that he has considered retirement without setting a departure date.
In a 'Fox News Sunday' interview aired Sunday, October 4, Alito said there had been a “concerted effort to intimidate the court” and expressed concern about what escalating attacks could mean for its future.
🚨 Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says there has been a concerted effort to intimidate the Court and its justices and to influence how cases are decided. He says he is concerned about the future of the Court and about escalating public rhetoric from people in important positions. Alito says the Court has been fundamental in protecting the constitutional structure and the rights Americans enjoy. Follow: @MorseReport https://t.co/Tc5busxceO
— Morse Report (@MorseReport) October 4, 2026
The remarks came as the Supreme Court began a new term under unusually low public approval.
Gallup found that 34% of Americans approved of the court’s performance in September, while 46% said they trusted the judicial branch, both near historical lows.
Samuel Alito warns political pressure could linger
Alito said efforts to influence justices had become a concern beyond individual cases.
He argued that presidents of both parties have increasingly relied on executive orders, administrative rules and reinterpretations of existing laws when they cannot move their agendas through Congress.
He also defended the court’s use of its emergency docket, saying the justices have disclosed everything except their internal communications.
Critics have questioned the process because emergency rulings can allow government policies to take effect before full arguments and final decisions.
Alito said he tries not to dwell on the political debate but is worried about its long-term effect on the court’s standing.
His comments came alongside warnings from other justices about threats and pressure directed at the judiciary.
Retirement question brings 'vultures' remark
At 76, Alito is also at the center of recurring speculation about whether another vacancy could open on the conservative-majority court.
"I've been bemused by the retirement speculation." Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito addresses speculation about his future on the bench during an interview with @ShannonBream on @FoxNewsSunday. Alito says the constant attention surrounding whether he will retire is "not too pleasant."
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 4, 2026
He has served since former President George W Bush nominated him in 2005, succeeding Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Asked about reports surrounding his future, Alito said retirement speculation was understandable but joked about the experience of being watched for signs of departure.
“It’s not too pleasant to look up and see the vultures circling around your head,” he said.
Alito did not announce a retirement date.
He said it would be “foolhardy” to calculate how many additional years he would remain because circumstances could change.
The speculation has intensified because a vacancy could give President Donald Trump another opportunity to shape the court.
Trump already appointed Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett during his first term.
New term puts court under scrutiny
Alito’s comments arrive as the justices confront major disputes over immigration detention, gun restrictions, voting rules, religious liberty and climate litigation.
The court is also expected to handle further cases involving Trump administration policies.
Alito has remained one of the court’s most conservative members, but his role this term has already changed in one significant case: he recused himself from the climate dispute involving ExxonMobil and Suncor because of his holdings in other oil companies.
The case could affect dozens of similar lawsuits around the country.
