President Donald Trump likely would secure a conservative majority on the Supreme Court for many years to come if he gets to replace the court's two oldest members, but he's not trying to push them out the door.
Trump told Politico in an exclusive interview that he would like to see Justices Clarence Thomas, 77, and Samuel Alito, 75, stay on the bench.
"I hope they stay ’cause I think they’re fantastic, OK? Both of those men are fantastic," Trump said.
Alito and Thomas are part of a 6-3 conservative majority. Trump appointed three of the conservatives during his first term − Amy Coney Barrett, 53, Neil Gorsuch, 58, and Brett Kavanaugh, 60. Chief Justice John Roberts, the other conservative, is 70.
Trump's imprint on the court was among the most consequential developments of his first term. The reshaped court has delivered some bombshell opinions, including striking down abortion protections and declaring presidents have immunity from prosecution for some official actions.
