Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s wife flew an inverted American flag at their home in January 2021, describing it as an “international signal of distress.” The Washington Post reported an encounter between the Alitos and a Post reporter where Martha-Ann Alito demanded the reporter leave their property. The flag was no longer displayed when the reporter visited on the day of President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Alito denied the flag was related to political protest, attributing it to a neighborhood dispute.
The New York Times published a photograph of the flag and Alito explained it was in response to a neighbor dispute involving signs with offensive language directed towards his wife. The upside-down flag was associated with Trump supporters who claimed election fraud in 2020. Additionally, a flag associated with supporters of Trump was seen outside the Alitos’ vacation home during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. This has led to criticism in Washington and calls for Justice Alito to recuse himself from cases involving Trump and the Capitol attack.
Key GOP senators and Democrats have criticized the Alitos’ flag displays, with calls for ethics rules for the Supreme Court gaining new attention. Senate Republican Whip John Thune called the flag display a “bad decision,” while Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin raised concerns about a member of the highest court showing support for such symbols. Some Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz, have defended Alito and criticized Democrats for trying to undermine the court’s legitimacy.
The news about the flags displayed at the Alitos’ properties has reignited debate about ethics rules for the Supreme Court. Efforts to enact such rules have been stalled for months, prompting calls for action in light of recent events. The controversy surrounding Justice Alito’s flag displays has brought attention to political divisions and questions about the judiciary’s independence. Some see the flags as inappropriate symbols of support for political figures and causes, while others defend them as expressions of free speech and personal beliefs.
Overall, the Alitos’ flag displays have sparked widespread discussion and criticism, with calls for Justice Alito to recuse himself from certain cases and for additional ethical guidelines for the Supreme Court. The divisive nature of the flags has highlighted the challenges of navigating political expression and personal beliefs as a member of the judiciary. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities of maintaining the court’s independence and impartiality in a highly polarized political environment.
