Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has described escalating harassment and physical threats against judges as a dangerous new trend in American society, signaling his consideration of retirement next year.
In an interview with CBS News Chief Legal Correspondent Jan Crawford, Alito emphasized that such intimidation represents “something new in our society” and poses significant risks to both the courts and public life. He cited the 2022 Dobbs decision—overturning Roe v. Wade—as a ruling requiring courage by the justices in the majority, though he acknowledged they did not anticipate the severe backlash.
“We are not part of any political movement. And we are not attempting to further any political agenda,” Alito stated. He added that the physical threats and harassment he described have led him to lose old friendships due to his rulings on contentious issues, saying, “That’s something you have to live with.”
Alito also criticized recent presidents for their harsh opposition to Supreme Court decisions, noting that criticism from both President Biden and former President Trump has been consistently vitriolic. When asked if President Trump’s approach changed the level of hostility, Alito responded, “It’s been bipartisan.” He stressed judges are motivated by constitutional interpretation rather than partisan politics: “We are trying to interpret the Constitution as best we can and apply it in cases that come before us.”
The 76-year-old justice said predicting political circumstances surrounding his retirement decision remains difficult but underscored that the rising threats to judicial independence threaten the integrity of courts nationwide.
