Clarence Thomas, the Supreme Court’s most senior associate justice at age 77 and its longest-serving member since 1991, has given no public or private signals of imminent retirement. Sources close to him confirmed in April 2026 that he has no plans to step down during the current term or in the immediate future, consistent with his past statements favoring service into the 2030s. President Trump has publicly expressed preference for both Thomas and Justice Alito to remain on the bench, while Thomas reached the milestone of second-longest tenure in May 2026 and continues active participation, including a recent interview. Lifetime Article III appointments carry no term limits or mandatory retirement age, leaving timing entirely to the justice absent health or other developments. The 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential cycle remain key variables that could influence any future decision on vacancy timing and Senate confirmation prospects.