Supreme Court Justice Retiring?
As concerns grow over aging leaders in Washington, Roberts assures Americans he’s fit to serve—and fires back at calls to politicize the judiciary.
BUFFALO, NY — Chief Justice John Roberts is not stepping down—and he made that crystal clear during a lively speech in his hometown this week.
At 70 years old, Roberts dismissed retirement rumors with humor and confidence, telling a packed room of judges and attorneys that he plans to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court for the foreseeable future.
“I’m going out feet first,” Roberts said with a grin, earning laughter and applause.
The Chief Justice spoke during a special event marking the 125th anniversary of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. His comments come as millions of Americans question the fitness of aging public officials across all branches of government.
Aging Leaders in Washington Raise Concerns
The age issue has taken center stage in recent years. Former President Joe Biden, 82, faced widespread criticism over his mental sharpness before withdrawing from his failed re-election bid. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, 83, stunned reporters during multiple public freeze-ups. And in Washington, D.C., a 97-year-old federal judge remains entangled in a legal fight over her ability to keep serving from the bench.
But according to Roberts, age alone doesn’t disqualify someone from doing the job—especially on the Supreme Court.
“I’ve seen just a handful of cases where someone stayed a bit too long,” he said. “But it’s always worked out quietly and professionally.”
A Trusted Backup Plan
Roberts even shared a personal story that drew laughs from the crowd. He said he once asked two longtime friends to let him know if they noticed his abilities fading.
“They both immediately said, ‘It’s time to go,’” he joked. “So I said, ‘Alright, never mind.’”
Despite the joke, Roberts emphasized that he still feels “pretty healthy” and mentally sharp after nearly 20 years on the bench. He is younger than three other justices: Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Sonia Sotomayor. Both Thomas and Alito—regular targets of the Left—have also shown no interest in retiring.
Defending Judicial Independence
Roberts also addressed calls from far-left activists to impeach judges who’ve ruled against progressive policies. Without naming names, he firmly rejected the idea of using impeachment to attack judges based on their rulings.
“Impeachment is not how you register disagreement with decisions,” Roberts stated, reinforcing the importance of judicial integrity.
A Proud Moment in Buffalo
During the event, Roberts reflected on his roots, saying he took time to visit his childhood home in Buffalo before the gathering. The trip brought back memories of growing up in upstate New York, before rising to lead the highest court in the land.
Final Word
While some in government seem to cling to power well past their prime, Chief Justice John Roberts reminded Americans this week that stability, strength, and common sense still have a place in Washington.
And for conservatives who value tradition, rule of law, and clear-headed leadership, that’s exactly the kind of voice the Supreme Court needs.
