Justice Clarence Thomas disclosed two trips he took with Republican megadonor Harlan Crow in 2019 in his financial disclosure report for 2023. The report, filed by Thomas on May 15, included an amendment to his 2019 disclosure form to list two trips he took with Crow in July of that year. The first trip was to Bali, where Thomas was listed as a guest of Harlan and Kathy Crow, receiving food and lodging at a hotel. The second trip was to Monte Rio, California, where Thomas again was a guest of Crow’s and received food and lodging at a private club. Thomas noted that the information was inadvertently omitted from his initial filing and sought guidance from his accountant and ethics counsel when preparing his report for 2023.
In addition to Thomas, the financial disclosure reports for eight of the nine sitting justices were released to the public. Justice Samuel Alito requested and received a 90-day extension to file his disclosure. The reports revealed various gifts and income received by the justices in 2023. For example, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson received concert tickets from Beyoncé, artwork for her chambers, and book royalties. Chief Justice John Roberts and several other justices did not receive any gifts but reported income from book royalties and other projects. Jackson received a significant book advance from Penguin Random House through a company in which she is listed as the sole member.
Several justices, including Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, reported teaching income in 2023. Thomas remains an honorary member of the board of directors for the Horatio Alger Association, while Sotomayor listed her position as governing director of iCivics, an organization promoting civics education in schools. The financial disclosures are submitted annually and reflect a justice’s outside positions, income, reimbursements, gifts, and investments for the prior calendar year.
The disclosure of Thomas’ trips with Crow sparked controversy over ethics practices at the Supreme Court and led to calls for the adoption of a binding code of conduct. The Senate Judiciary Committee launched an investigation into the issue and advanced legislation that would require the Supreme Court to adopt an enforceable ethics code. The court adopted a formal code of conduct in November, but it lacked a mechanism for enforcement. Controversy also arose over flags displayed outside Alito’s homes, including an upside-down American flag and an “Appeal to Heaven” flag associated with the “Stop the Steal” movement.
Despite the Supreme Court’s adoption of a formal code of conduct, the justices continue to face scrutiny over their ethics practices. The revelations about Thomas’ relationship with Crow, as well as the controversy over flags displayed outside Alito’s homes, have raised questions about the ethics and transparency of the nation’s highest court. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability within the Supreme Court to ensure the integrity of the judicial system.
