US Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is to retire, giving President Donald Trump the chance to cement a conservative majority on the country’s top court.
The conservative justice has sided with liberals on many decisions, including the 5-4 rulings that decided same-sex marriage and upheld abortion rights.
In his letter to Mr Trump, Justice Kennedy expressed "profound gratitude" for having served in the highest court.
The 81-year-old judge will retire on 31 July, he said in his letter.