Insights

Justice Clarence Thomas is under renewed scrutiny following revelations that he took a private jet flight in 2010, owned by GOP donor Harlan Crow, which was not reported in his financial disclosures. This incident adds to a growing list of luxury travel arrangements Thomas has accepted from Crow, including trips on Crow's yacht, the Michaela Rose. The disclosures have intensified calls for stronger ethics regulations within the Supreme Court. Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, highlighted concerns regarding the potential tax implications of Crow's gifts to Thomas. In a letter to Crow's attorney, Wyden expressed worry that Crow may have been providing extravagant gifts to a public official while potentially using them to reduce his tax liabilities. Wyden's inquiries have been met with resistance, as Crow's spokesperson claimed that the senator's questions lack legal basis and are intended to harass. The White House has weighed in, with spokesperson Andrew Bates stating that the latest revelations bolster President Biden's case for ethics reforms in the judiciary. Thomas has previously claimed he was advised that he did not need to disclose such hospitality but has indicated a willingness to adhere to updated guidelines moving forward. In response to ongoing criticism, the Supreme Court adopted a code of conduct last year, marking a historic first. However, the self-policing nature of this code has drawn significant criticism from Democrats and ethics experts, raising questions about its effectiveness in ensuring accountability among justices.