ProPublica has recently released a report alleging that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accepted numerous luxury trips and gifts from Republican megadonor Harlan Crow without properly disclosing them as required by law. The investigation raises questions about the ethical conduct of one of the nation's highest-ranking judges, further damaging the reputation of an already controversial institution.
According to ProPublica, these undisclosed trips have been happening for over two decades and include visits to high-end resorts like Bohemian Grove in California, island-hopping excursions aboard Crow’s super-yacht in Indonesia and stays at his private Texas ranch. Legal experts who reviewed the report claim that this failure to disclose violates laws enacted after Watergate requiring federal officials – including justices – to reveal most gifts they receive.
Slate senior writer Mark Joseph Stern refers to Justice Thomas' actions as "corruption." Virginia Canter, a former government ethics lawyer stated: “Justice Thomas seems to have completely disregarded his higher ethical obligations.” These allegations come amid calls from Democratic lawmakers for a formal code of ethics within the Supreme Court.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) requested an independent inquiry into Judge Thomas’ behavior following ProPublica's revelations. In addition, several legal scholars agree with Canter's assessment:
Despite these accusations against him and other members on previous occasions - such as Justice Samuel Alito being accused improper disclosure regarding contraception cases -, neither Judge Thomas nor any representatives from America’s highest court offered public comment or response concerning their latest predicament mentioned above so far when contacted through various channels including email requests sent directly via Newsweek magazine reporters seeking clarification specifically pertaining towards this matter