Is it time for Washington to face an age limit? Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel thinks so, stirring the pot with a bold call for a mandatory retirement age of 75 across all branches of government.
On Wednesday, Emanuel, a Democrat and potential White House contender for 2028, spoke at a Center for American Progress event, advocating for a retirement cutoff at 75 for the president, legislative members, executive branch officials, including the Cabinet, Supreme Court justices, and all federal court judges.
He framed this as part of a larger push for ethics and anti-corruption reforms, intending to pursue the change through legislation rather than a constitutional amendment. The proposal, if enacted, would affect current President Donald Trump, aged 79, and would have barred former President Joe Biden, now 83, from serving.
The issue has ignited debate over whether such a policy is even feasible. Emanuel's proposal would impact 17 senators and 45 House members currently 75 or older, as well as Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas, 77, and Samuel Alito, 75. Justices Sonia Sotomayor, 71, and Chief Justice John Roberts, 70, Fox News reported.
Emanuel, at 66, admitted the rule would apply to himself if he runs for president in 2028 and seeks a second term, starting at 73. He told Politico, "I know where I am in my age. Of course it would apply to me."
That’s a rare bit of self-awareness from a politician, but let’s not pretend this is purely principled. The timing and scope of this proposal seem conveniently aimed at current political figures, especially Trump. Is this reform, or just a clever jab dressed up as ethics?
Emanuel insists this age limit ties into a broader agenda of "comprehensive ethics, lobbying [and] anti-corruption reform" across government. He also wants Democrats to champion this as a midterm message alongside raising the minimum wage. Cracking down on lawmakers and judges trading stocks is another piece of his reform puzzle.
Admirable goals on paper, but pushing an age limit through legislation raises red flags. Legal experts note it’s unclear if such a law would pass constitutional muster, and with a Senate median age of 64, good luck getting traction among lawmakers who’d rather not vote themselves out of a job.
This feels less like a serious policy and more like a populist talking point. If Emanuel truly cared about draining the swamp, why not start with more achievable ethics rules? Age limits sound catchy, but they dodge the deeper rot in Washington.
The age issue isn’t new; it flared during the last presidential race when both Biden and Trump faced scrutiny over mental and physical fitness. Biden, then 81, ultimately stepped aside amid party pressure, while Trump, then 78, pressed on. Nikki Haley, a former U.N. ambassador and GOP primary candidate, even floated mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75.
Emanuel’s proposal reignites that conversation, but with a harder edge. His plan doesn’t just suggest tests—it outright bars service past 75. That’s a blunt tool for a nuanced problem, especially when experience often matters more than a birth certificate.
Look at Congress and the courts: seasoned leaders bring institutional knowledge that’s hard to replace. Forcing out justices like Thomas or Alito risks tilting the judiciary with rushed replacements. Is that really the reform we need, or just a way to reshape power?
Emanuel didn’t shy away from criticizing the current administration, accusing Trump of deepening the political swamp. He pointed to frequent stories about financial dealings involving the president’s family and those of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
That’s a fair shot—transparency in government dealings is non-negotiable. But Emanuel’s own party isn’t exactly spotless on ethics. Pot, meet kettle; let’s clean up both sides before pointing fingers.
Ultimately, Emanuel’s retirement age idea might grab headlines, but it’s a long shot in a town that clings to power like a lifeline. Legislation or not, the real question is whether voters care more about age or results. With Washington’s track record, I’d bet on the latter.
