Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas has disclosed two trips he took with Republican megadonor Harlan Crow in 2019 in his financial disclosure report for 2023. The trips, to Bali and Monte Rio, California, were inadvertently omitted from his initial report and were highlighted in the latest filing. Thomas sought guidance from his accountant and ethics counsel before including this information in his updated disclosure. Thomas’ report also highlighted gifts received by other justices, such as concert tickets, artwork, and book royalties.
The financial disclosures for eight of the nine sitting justices were publicly released, with Justice Samuel Alito receiving a 90-day extension to file his report. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson received gifts from singer Beyoncé and reported income from various sources, including book royalties and appearance fees. While some justices received substantial income from book advances and royalties, others listed teaching and coaching positions as additional sources of income outside of their roles as Supreme Court justices.
The disclosure reports provide insight into the justices’ outside positions, income, reimbursements, gifts, and investments for the previous year. The reports have garnered attention following revelations about Thomas’ relationship with Crow and calls for the Supreme Court to adopt a binding code of conduct. The Senate Judiciary Committee launched an investigation into the issue and advanced legislation to require the adoption of an enforceable ethics code. The Supreme Court’s adoption of a formal code of conduct without enforcement mechanisms has not quelled scrutiny of the justices.
Controversy has also arisen over displays of flags outside Justice Alito’s homes, including an upside-down American flag and an “Appeal to Heaven” flag, which have become associated with the “Stop the Steal” movement. Alito denied involvement in the flag displays and stated that they were flown by his wife without knowledge of their meanings. The flags were carried by rioters who breached the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. Calls for increased transparency and accountability at the Supreme Court persist, particularly in the wake of Thomas’ interactions with Crow and the need for a comprehensive ethics code.
The financial disclosures offer a glimpse into the justices’ financial activities and outside engagements, including book royalties, teaching positions, and gifts received. While some justices reported substantial income from various sources, others listed minimal gifts or engagements outside of their judicial roles. The disclosures have reignited discussions about ethics practices at the Supreme Court and the need for clearer guidelines and enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency among the justices. Further scrutiny and calls for reform continue to shape the conversation around ethics and accountability within the highest court in the land.
