NPR published and quickly retracted a false report on Tuesday claiming that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is retiring. The Supreme Court denied any such announcement. The incident sparked brief speculation in Washington about a possible vacancy.
The story, written by correspondent Nina Totenberg, appeared at 10:51 a.m. ET with the lead stating that Alito, who wrote the opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, was retiring as announced by the court. It was removed minutes later after social media reaction.
NPR Editor in Chief Tommy Evans said the report stemmed from a misunderstanding. Neither Alito nor the Supreme Court Public Information Office had announced a retirement, and Totenberg later apologized to the justice.
Alito, 76, has selected clerks for the next term, according to a person familiar with the matter. People close to the justice have indicated he is not ready to step down this term.
President Donald Trump previously expressed hope that Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas would remain on the court for a long time.
