Justice Alito Treated for Dehydration After Falling Ill at Event

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Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. fell ill at an event in Philadelphia last month and was treated for dehydration before returning home to suburban Washington, the court's spokeswoman said. Alito's illness did not require an overnight hospital stay, and he was back on the bench the following Monday, participating in all the court's hearings over the ensuing two weeks.

Why it matters

The episode is the latest example of the justices' reticence to discuss their health, at least until the news somehow leaks. It also fuels speculation about Alito's potential retirement, which would give President Trump the chance to appoint a fourth justice to the Supreme Court.

The details

Alito was an active questioner during arguments that day in an important case about mailed ballots. He was driven by his security detail from Washington to what CNN said was a dinner following a Federalist Society panel that looked at his 20 years on the court. When he didn't feel well in the evening, 'he agreed with his security detail's recommendation to see a physician before the three-hour drive home' to northern Virginia, where he was given fluids for dehydration.

• Alito fell ill at an event in Philadelphia in March 2026.
• Alito was back on the bench the following Monday after receiving medical care.

What they’re saying

What’s next

While Alito has not said anything about retirement, speculation has swirled that he might soon step down, which would give President Trump the chance to appoint a fourth justice to the Supreme Court.