Stephen Breyer says he's 'an optimist' about the future of America while confirming retirement

After a maelstrom of media coverage on Wednesday, Justice Stephen Breyer on Thursday officially confirmed his retirement from the Supreme Court — in both a letter to President Biden and an address alongside him.

"I enormously appreciate the privilege of serving as part of the federal judicial system," Breyer wrote in his letter dated Jan. 27. "I have found the work challenging and meaningful. My relations with each of my colleagues have been warm and friendly. Throughout, I have been aware of the great honor of participating as a judge in the effort to maintain our Constitution and the rule of law."

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Brigid Kennedy

Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.