On Wednesday afternoon, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement. And on Twitter, reactions to the news were far from optimistic.
Kennedy is 81 years old, and is finishing up his his 30th year as a Supreme Court justice. Though he was appointed by a Republican president, his judicial decisions have often been difficult to predict. In the wake of his absence, the Trump administration will undoubtedly move to fill his spot with a more reliably conservative justice, shifting the court's ideological bent to the right.
News of Kennedy's retirement comes immediately after the court ruled on several high profile and controversial cases. But though his announcement was certainly jarring for the political establishment, it did not come entirely as a surprise. Rumors that Kennedy would soon retire, perhaps as soon as this year, have been circulating throughout Washington for months.
So serious were the rumors that The New York Times published an editorial nearly begging that Kennedy not leave his post, lest he, according to the Editorial Board, give his "seat to a president whose campaign and administration are under criminal investigation, whose closest aides have been indicted or have pleaded guilty to federal crimes."
Reports indicate that Congress and the administration will move to quickly fill his vacancy. It will undoubtedly become a serious political battle.
Removing Hope
Kennedy's retirement was announced on the same day that a socialist candidate in New York made electoral history.
Game Over?
Some suggested that Kennedy's retirement was the ultimate win for the current administration.
And The Handmaid's Tale
Handmaid's Tale references made an appearance, as they often do.
Taking Over The News Cycle
Some users expressed concern that Kennedy's retirement would usurp important coverage of the ongoing immigration crisis.
Remembering How The Last Confirmation Went Down
Many called to wait until after the midterm elections before confirming a new justice.
Going To Follow McConnell's precedent?
The midterm elections were a common theme.
Altering History
Supreme Court justices tend to have a major impact on the law of the land.
Concern About Reproductive Rights
Many expressed concern that reproductive health rights may come under fire if and when a conservative justice is appointed.
We're In This Together
Kennedy's retirement generated a unifying type of concern.
The Party Of Trump
Many grappled with Kennedy retiring when he knows that Trump is on deck to select his successor.
A Dumpster Fire
Whether or not Kennedy's retirement will affect Roe v Wade was an immediate concern.
Feeling Bitter
A lot of people expressed frustration that the Trump administration will be able to choose a successor.
Giving The Court To Trump
Some suggested that Kennedy's decision to retire was a calculated choice.
What An Age Difference
Kennedy wasn't even the oldest sitting Supreme Court Justice.
For many on Twitter, news of Kennedy's retirement elicited frustration, as well as concern about the ongoing character shift among the country's leadership. One thing that is definitely certain is that it's gearing up to be a very interesting summer.
