Justice Alito, the second oldest person on the court, has been the subject of speculation about his retirement.
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WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, the second-oldest member of the Supreme Court and the subject of recent speculation about his retirement, became ill last month and sought medical treatment, the court confirmed on April 3.
CNN first reported that Alito was taken to the hospital after attending a dinner hosted by the conservative legal group The Federalist Society in Philadelphia on March 20.
A court spokeswoman said in a statement that Alito “out of an abundance of caution” agreed to the garda’s recommendation that he seek medical attention before making the three-hour drive home.
Alito was given fluids due to dehydration and returned to his home in Virginia that night. He then underwent a “thorough examination” by his doctor, the court heard.
The statement did not provide details about his health.
Alito, 76, has been on the court for 20 years.
Alito’s age and tenure are among the reasons court commentators have recently speculated that Alito, one of the court’s most conservative justices, may want to retire soon. Another potential factor is the desire to give President Donald Trump a chance to succeed Republicans while they still control the Senate.
CNN reported that Alito is considering retirement, but a decision does not appear to be imminent.
