Senate Democrats have called on Chief Justice John Roberts to investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas over undisclosed gifts and luxury trips that were the subject of a blockbuster report. The allegations state that Thomas and his wife, Ginni, took several high-end vacations paid for by billionaire Harlan Crow. Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin and 11 Democratic committee members are urging Roberts to immediately open an investigation and take all necessary actions to prevent further misconduct.
Thomas has denied the allegations, stating he was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from a close friend was not reportable. The revelations raise ethical concerns, prompting the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing regarding the need to restore confidence in the Supreme Court's ethical standards.
President Joe Biden is also being urged to announce a review of all cases involving Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas due to potential corruption scandals involving real estate billionaire and Republican donor Harlan Crow. A federal investigation into Thomas's decisions would clarify the extent of any judiciary corruption.
The ProPublica investigation revealed details about multiple vacations taken by Justice Clarence Thomas with Dallas-based real estate developer Harlan Crow, including trips on his private jet and 162-foot yacht - expenses estimated in hundreds of thousands. In response, Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats are calling for an official inquiry led by Chief Justice John Roberts.
Democrats also suggest adopting binding codes of conduct for Supreme Court justices similar to those in place for other federal judges; however, Roberts had resisted doing so roughly ten years ago when first proposed.
In their letter addressed directly toward Chief Justice John Roberts following said reports concerning undisclosed gifts received from GOP donor Harlan Crow throughout decades past, they urge him towards opening such investigations while taking “all needed action” preventing future misconducts occurring among these ranks altogether should it prove legitimate overall thus far already upon initial assessments conducted beforehand as well here ultimately too now today indeed even still then ever more so going forward beyond just merely currently throughout time itself indefinitely onward again finally eventually someday once more too ultimately as well nonetheless however also always forever more.
With trust in the Supreme Court reaching historic lows after controversial decisions such as overturning Roe v. Wade and leaked drafts of opinions, restoring confidence in the high court's ethical standards is crucial. The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to hold a hearing on this matter soon and warns of potential legislative action if no steps are taken independently by the Supreme Court.
In response to the ProPublica report, Justice Thomas stated he consulted with colleagues and others within the judiciary early in his tenure regarding personal hospitality received from close friends. According to him, it was deemed not reportable at that time. Nevertheless, current guidance from the Judicial Conference requires all judicial officers and certain employees to file financial disclosures identifying outside income sources, gifts, and other relevant information for transparency purposes.