In the corridors of Washington, D.C., whispers of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s potential retirement have grown into a roar. At 75 years old and marking 20 years on the bench, Alito’s upcoming book release on October 6, 2026, just one day after the start of the Court’s new term, has fueled intense speculation that he may step down to ensure his conservative legacy endures under President Donald Trump’s second term. With Republicans holding the Senate majority ahead of the 2026 midterms, the timing appears strategic: a retirement now could allow Trump to appoint a like-minded successor before any potential shift in Senate control.
Alito’s Role in Bruen and the Modern Second Amendment Framework
Alito, appointed by President George W. Bush in 2006, has been a cornerstone of the Court’s conservative wing, particularly on issues like gun rights. His input in the landmark 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen revolutionized Second Amendment jurisprudence, striking down New York’s restrictive concealed-carry laws and establishing a history-and-tradition test for evaluating gun regulations. This ruling has led to a wave of lower-court decisions invalidating various gun control measures, from assault weapon bans to age restrictions on firearm purchases. Alito’s retirement would create an opportunity to solidify or potentially alter this pro-gun trajectory, depending on his replacement.
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