A prominent Senate Democrat has leveled serious accusations against conservative Supreme Court justices, alleging that they have violated federal disclosure laws. The allegations are detailed in a report released by aides to Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. According to the report, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito failed to disclose receiving extravagant trips and gifts from wealthy individuals, which the report claims is a breach of federal law.
The report, which follows a lengthy investigation by the Senate Judiciary Committee, is seen as a significant development as it comes shortly before Republicans are set to take control of the chamber. It highlights instances of luxury travel, private jet flights, and property deals arranged for the justices, shedding light on what the report describes as a pattern of ethical lapses within the Supreme Court.
Sen. Durbin emphasized the seriousness of the findings, stating, “Now more than ever before, as a result of information gathered by subpoenas, we know the extent to which the Supreme Court is mired in an ethical crisis of its own making.” He expressed concerns that the justices are eroding public trust due to their alleged close relationships with wealthy donors.
The accusations against Justices Thomas and Alito have been raised previously, with ongoing scrutiny over whether their actions comply with disclosure laws. Both justices have defended themselves by citing a “personal hospitality” exemption that they believe relieves them of the obligation to report certain gifts and trips.
The federal judiciary has clarified reporting requirements for jurists, stating that non-business stays at resorts and the use of private jets must be disclosed. In response to criticism over the alleged ethical breaches, the Supreme Court introduced a code of conduct last year, although it has been criticized for lacking enforcement mechanisms.
Sen. Durbin’s report also touches on separate controversies involving the justices, including an incident where an upside-down U.S. flag was raised over properties belonging to Justice Alito. Additionally, the report accuses Justice Thomas of violating the law by not recusing himself from cases related to the 2020 presidential election, despite his wife’s public support for then-President Donald Trump.
Federal law mandates that justices recuse themselves from cases in which their spouse has a vested interest. Republicans, including former President Trump, have defended Justices Thomas and Alito against the allegations, portraying Democratic scrutiny of the court as an attempt to undermine its conservative majority.
With Republicans poised to assume control of the Senate and the White House, ethics proposals supported by Sen. Durbin and other Democrats are expected to be put on hold. Despite the report’s revelations, the issue of ethical conduct within the Supreme Court remains a contentious and unresolved matter.
