Psaki Declines To Reveal When Biden Learned Of Breyer Retirement

Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, declined to discuss details surrounding the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer at a Thursday press conference. When was Breyer’s retirement decision made public by the president? Psaki answered that it wasn’t.

Psaki stated that Justice Breyer made the decision to retire on his own time and under his own terms. Psaki stated, “So we’re not going to lay out any more details from here as regards to when the president was aware.”

On Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer officially informed President Biden of his intention to resign at end of the current term. Breyer expressed his desire that his successor is appointed before he steps down in a Jan. 27 letter.

Breyer’s retirement plans, however, were made public to the public Wednesday. This reportedly upset the justice. It is unknown how long Breyer’s decision was kept secret.

Biden spoke Thursday afternoon to thank Breyer and praise him for his “exemplary justice” before turning to the issue of his replacement.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that the Senate would quickly consider Biden’s nominee for replacing Breyer and that it would treat him fairly.

Schumer stated that the Senate would have a fair and fast process to confirm President Biden’s nominee to fill Justice Breyer’s seat.

Biden stated earlier Thursday that he would select his nominee by February’s end. If the Senate acts as fast as Schumer claims, Breyer’s replacement may be confirmed before the start of spring.