In the latest round of financial disclosures, U.S. Supreme Court justices have revealed a range of opulent perks, from luxurious stays in Bali hotels to coveted Beyoncé concert tickets, alongside hefty book advances totaling nearly $1.6 million.
Justice Clarence Thomas, amidst ongoing scrutiny for previously undisclosed gifts from businessman Harlan Crow, updated his 2019 records to include “food and lodging” at a Bali hotel and a California club. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reported receiving four Beyoncé concert tickets valued at $3,711.84, while Justice Samuel Alito, who has been criticized for his connections to Donald Trump’s election challenges, was granted a 90-day extension on his filing.
These annual disclosures are crucial as the justices face mounting ethical questions over unreported luxury trips and real estate dealings. Thomas, citing security concerns post the 2022 abortion decision leak, refrained from reporting any 2023 travels after listing trips to Dallas and the Adirondacks in 2022.
The financial filings highlighted the lucrative nature of publishing for the justices. Jackson’s memoir “Lovely One,” set for a September release, earned her an $893,750 advance. Additionally, she reported receiving $12,500 worth of artwork for her chambers. Justice Brett Kavanaugh disclosed $340,000 in book royalties from Javelin Group and Regnery Publishing, while Justice Neil Gorsuch and Justice Sonia Sotomayor reported $250,000 and nearly $87,000 respectively from their book deals.
These supplemental incomes come on top of the justices’ substantial salaries, with the eight associate justices earning $298,500 each and Chief Justice John Roberts receiving $312,200 this year.
Alito, part of the court’s conservative majority, has been embroiled in controversy for not recusing himself from cases tied to the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol attack, despite accusations of bias related to flags flown by his wife, which were unknowingly linked to Trump’s “Stop the Steal” campaign.
In response to ongoing ethical criticisms, the justices adopted their first code of conduct in November. However, critics argue that it falls short, as it lacks enforcement mechanisms and leaves recusal decisions to the individual justices. Calls for stricter legislation continue, particularly following Alito’s refusal to recuse himself from pivotal election-related cases.
