Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized Thursday morning after fracturing three ribs during a fall in her office Wednesday night, the Washington Post reports. Ginsburg, 85, was admitted to George Washington University Hospital for observation and treatment. The court said Ginsburg returned home Wednesday night but went to the hospital after “experiencing discomfort overnight.” Tests showed that she fractured three ribs on her left side. She was released on Friday. Given the 5-to-4 split on the court in conservatives’ favor on many controversial issues, court watchers are keeping a close eye on the health of the justices.
Ginsburg has said she would like to remain on the court for five more years, and reportedly has hired law clerks through 2020. She already is five years past the average retirement age of the past 11 justices and is three years older than the recently retired justice Anthony Kennedy. As a presidential candidate, Donald Trump responded to her public criticism of him by calling on her to resign, tweeting that her “mind is shot.” Ginsburg’s hospitalization came on the morning of the formal investiture of the court’s newest justice, Brett Kavanaugh. President Trump is among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony at the court. White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Trump and others at the White House are wishing Ginsburg a full and speedy recovery.