Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito spoke on Fox News Sunday about the growing rhetoric that challenges the court’s legitimacy. He used the interview to promote his new book, So Ordered: An Originalist’s View of the Constitution, the Court, and Our Country, while answering questions from host Shannon Bream about political attacks from President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Alito said he consciously excludes such comments from his judicial deliberations. “I put all of that out of my mind,” he told Bream. “I trust that my colleagues do the same, but I am concerned about the escalation in public rhetoric and the long‑term effect on the standing of the court.”
Trump has increasingly criticized Alito’s fellow justices, including Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch, all appointed in his first term. The court has also faced criticism from Democrats who call for term limits, age limits or an expanded bench. In recent months the court has ruled against Trump in major cases, such as redefining birthright citizenship and striking down his ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs. Justice Barrett has testified to Congress about the threats she faces, noting she must wear a bullet‑proof vest and explain it to her 12‑year‑old son.
Alito described his position on the court as a privilege, noting he could resign at any time. He said he is not swayed by external sentiments when deciding whether to stay and that he will serve for a certain number of additional years, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform his duties.
