iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes. In an interview with CBS News reported October 2, 2026, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said he thought about retiring at the end of the previous term. He said he stayed because he believed he could still make a valuable contribution, and that he expects to reconsider retirement every term.
What Alito said about retirement
Alito’s reported answer was: “I thought about it. It’s something I think that somebody at my age has to think about every term,” he said. “But I thought that I could still make a valuable contribution, which is why I became a justice and a judge in the first place.” The Washington Sun’s October 2 account of the CBS interview also reports that, when asked whether he would revisit the question each year, he replied, “Yeah, I think I have to.”
That is Alito’s stated explanation for staying: he believed he could still contribute. The interview coverage does not establish that political timing or calculations drove his decision.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHow his earlier comments fit
On August 7, 2026, Alito told the Associated Press, “Obviously, I’m here for another term.” That confirms he intended to remain for the term; it does not conflict with his later account that he had considered retiring before deciding to stay.
#1 Best Overall
A separate June 30 report that Alito had retired was erroneous. NPR had mistakenly published a previously prepared story, then retracted it and apologized, according to the Associated Press. Neither Alito nor the Supreme Court Public Information Office announced a retirement at that time.
What the interview does—and does not—establish
The reported comments describe a decision Alito says he considered and the reason he gave for not retiring then. They do not announce a retirement date or promise that he will serve beyond the term he referenced. His statement that he must think about retirement each term leaves the question open for future terms.
Rank #2
The Daily Beast’s account of the same CBS interview also reports that Alito discussed criticism of the Court by Presidents Biden and Trump. That is separate interview context, not evidence of why he chose to stay.
Optional further reading
Alito’s forthcoming book, So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court, and Our Country, is described by publisher Hachette as an account of his judicial philosophy. Its publisher listing gives an October 6, 2026 sale date and lists hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. The book may offer his perspective on the Court, but it is not evidence about the retirement decision.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Rank #3
- The Washington Sun: Alito Explains His Decision to Defer Retirement
- Associated Press: Alito confirms he’s staying on the Supreme Court for another term
- Associated Press: NPR retracts article that mistakenly reported Alito’s retirement
- The Daily Beast: CBS interview context
- Hachette: So Ordered
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
