Court Battles

Supreme Court confirms Alito fell ill at March event

by Zach Schonfeld - 04/03/26 1:51 PM ET

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by Zach Schonfeld - 04/03/26 1:51 PM ET

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Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito sought medical attention after feeling ill a March event in Philadelphia, the court confirmed Friday.

The rare statement about the justice’s health comes after CNN reported the incident. The outlet said he was taken to a hospital.

“Out of an abundance of caution, he agreed with his security detail’s recommendation to see a physician before the three-hour drive home,” the high court’s statement read.

“After that examination and the administration of fluids for dehydration, he returned home that night, as previously planned.”

The court said Alito’s own physician “thoroughly checked” him and noted the justice returned to work that Monday for oral arguments.

Alito has continued to participate as normal on the bench as an active questioner in the weeks since, including this week’s blockbuster arguments on President Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions.

But the episode has raised renewed attention on the health of the leading conservative justice, who is 76 years old and has sparked increasing retirement speculation among the media and court watchers. Alito has not publicly indicated any imminent retirement plans.

The March 20 incident in Philadelphia came the same day that the Federalist Society hosted a conference in the city celebrating Alito’s 20th year anniversary on the Supreme Court. The justice himself was not one of the announced speakers. CNN reported the health incident came at a dinner held following the event.

The Hill has reached out to the Federalist Society for comment.

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