With speculation that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito could retire this year also comes talk about who will be the next Justice and what this could mean for the United States. Throughout his time on the Court, he has been a main conservative voice for many controversial topics, such as abortion rights, transgender rights, religious freedom, and executive power. If his pondering of retirement becomes reality, and a new, younger conservative justice takes his place, America’s future would continue to be smothered in red.
During Trump’s time in office both now and in his first term, the judges he has appointed have all been younger and with strong conservative views. They have all contributed to his agenda and the policies he campaigned for, and continue to serve with conservative beliefs at their core. Because they are all younger Justices, they are able to sit on the court for much longer than if an older individual was appointed. This grants the right side the majority within the Supreme Court, allowing for more orders and policies to be passed that align with the current administration’s agenda.
While Alito has not formally announced his retirement, the possibility of an open seat in the Supreme Court can be concerning for those who do not align with our current administration and their agenda. If Trump follows suit with his previous appointed Justices, it would mean a younger conservative would take over the empty seat. The Supreme Court would continue to have a conservative majority and we could see drastic changes within our government.
For those on the left, it is nerve wracking to see Trump have the possible ability to appoint yet another Supreme Court Justice. We have seen major changes since the appointment of his previous justices, such as Amy Coney Barrett joining the majority to overturn Roe v. Wade. Another conservative justice will only further keep our government and current administration covered with this ideology.
