Associated Justice Clarence Thomas Under Scrutiny for Failure to Disclose Gifts
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been found to have accepted more vacations and gifts from billionaire benefactors than previously reported, according to an investigation by ProPublica. The conservative justice, who has faced criticism for his failure to disclose such gifts, allegedly received at least 38 vacations, 26 private jet flights, eight helicopter flights, a dozen VIP passes to sporting events, and stays at luxury resorts in Florida and Jamaica. ProPublica suggests that Thomas may have violated the law by failing to disclose these flights, cruises, and sports tickets. This report sheds light on the ethical obligations of Supreme Court justices and the need for transparency.
Previous reports have revealed that Thomas received gifts and financial support from individuals such as Texas billionaire Harlan Crow, who paid for the justice’s vacations, his mother’s house, and a nephew’s tuition fees. Another investigation by The New York Times uncovered special treatment given to Thomas by members of the Horatio Alger Association, including former Berkshire Hathaway executive David Sokol and billionaire H. Wayne Huizenga. ProPublica’s recent report also identifies oil baron Paul “Tony” Novelly as an unnamed benefactor. The combined value of these undisclosed trips since Thomas’ appointment to the Supreme Court in 1991 likely amounts to millions of dollars. Thomas and Novelly have not responded to ProPublica’s inquiries.
Justice Thomas is not the only member of the Supreme Court to face scrutiny regarding undisclosed gifts. In June, ProPublica reported that Justice Samuel Alito went on a fishing trip to Alaska with hedge fund billionaire Paul Singer, who has had cases before the court. Alito traveled on Singer’s private jet, accompanied by Leonard Leo, a leader of the conservative Federalist Society who organized the trip. The lodge they stayed at was owned by Republican donor Robin Arkley II. Despite these questionable connections, Alito did not recuse himself from a case involving Singer’s legal interests. Legal experts argue that the justices should have disclosed these free trips.
In April, Justice Thomas acknowledged that he was previously advised that he did not have to disclose hospitality from personal friends. However, he stated that this understanding has since been corrected, and he would disclose personal travel and entertainment paid for by others in the future. It remains to be seen whether Thomas will amend his prior disclosure forms. The lack of a code of ethics for the Supreme Court has become a growing concern for Americans across the political spectrum. Chief Justice John Roberts has indicated that the court is working on an ethics code, but no progress has been made thus far.