Amidst the cacophony of voices calling for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s retirement, the White House has chosen to step back from the fray. On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made clear that any decision regarding Justice Sotomayor’s retirement is a personal choice for the Justice to make.
The calls for the 69-year-old liberal Justice’s retirement stem from the belief that her stepping down would secure a place for a nominee from President Joe Biden while he is in office. Though this might offer a certain element of continuity in the ongoing ideological tussle at the court, the White House has clearly communicated that the personal and professional choices of Supreme Court Justices should not be dictated by politics.
More details on the White House’s stance can be found at law360.com.