President Trump hinted in a recent Fox News interview that he is “prepared” to replace Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito if the justice retires under his presidency. The remarks come amid growing speculation that Alito, 76, who was hospitalized in March, might step down later this year to preserve the conservative bloc’s 6-3 majority on the court.

Trump emphasized his readiness to act, stating: “It could be two, could be three, could be one. I don’t know — I’m prepared to do it.” He praised Alito as “one of the great justices of all time,” calling him “an unbelievable justice and a brilliant justice who gets the country.”

The president acknowledged Justice Clarence Thomas, 77, as another potential retiree but noted uncertainty about timelines. Trump revealed he has a shortlist of nominees should an opening arise this year, though he expressed no guarantee of a vacancy by year’s end.

Trump also referenced former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s decision to remain on the court during the Obama administration, stating: “Ginsburg could not do it… People are very angry at her.” He added that her death in 2020 allowed him to appoint Justice Amy Coney Barrett—a move he credited with cementing a conservative majority.

Alito and Thomas represent the oldest justices on the court, with neither having publicly indicated retirement plans despite months of speculation about Alito’s potential departure to facilitate a Republican Senate confirmation before a potential Democratic president takes office in 2029.