A recent disclosure by the Senate Judiciary Committee revealed that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas took three undisclosed trips paid for by conservative Texas billionaire Harlan Crow between 2017 and 2021. The private jet flights were brought to light as part of an investigation into reports of lavish undisclosed travel and perks provided to justices by wealthy benefactors, sparking calls for reform.
The committee’s inquiry shed light on the private jet trips taken by Justice Thomas, including journeys from St. Louis to Kalispell, Mont., Washington D.C. to Savannah, Ga., and D.C. to San Jose. However, the documents did not specify the cost of these trips or the reasons behind Justice Thomas’ travels.
Harlan Crow came forth with the information after the committee issued subpoenas for him and conservative activist Leonard Leo to provide details. Although the subpoenas have not been enforced, Crow stated that he had reached an agreement with the Senate Judiciary Committee to share information dating back seven years.
In response to the disclosure, Committee Chairman Dick Durbin emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that such trips should have been reported on financial disclosures. Durbin called for an enforceable code of conduct for the highest court, highlighting the need for accountability among its members.
Justice Thomas’ attorney, Elliot S. Berke, defended the undisclosed trips, citing a ‘personal hospitality exemption’ that exempted them from disclosure requirements. Berke also affirmed that Justice Thomas had complied with the new disclosure requirements moving forward.
The revelations regarding Justice Thomas’ travels come amid efforts by Senate Democrats to implement a binding code of ethics for the Supreme Court. However, Republicans opposed the initiative, arguing that it sought to undermine the conservative court’s authority.
The committee’s investigation was spurred by reports of Justice Thomas and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. taking undisclosed, expensive trips in recent years. Crow’s financial contributions, including paying tuition for a Thomas relative and purchasing the justice’s mother’s home, raised further questions about ethical considerations within the Supreme Court.
Legal ethics expert Steven Lubet expressed astonishment at the ongoing revelations of undisclosed gifts to Justice Thomas, underscoring the need for greater transparency and accountability within the Supreme Court. The Judiciary Committee’s investigation into Supreme Court ethics remains ongoing, aiming to address concerns about undisclosed perks and conflicts of interest.