In the latest twist of high court controversies, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is once again under the spotlight for accepting lavish travel perks funded by billionaire Harlan Crow. The revelations, unveiled by Senator Ron Wyden, expose round-trip flights between Hawaii and New Zealand in November 2010 aboard Crow’s private jet—journeys that Justice Thomas failed to disclose.
Wyden, the Democratic chair of the Senate Finance Committee, uncovered these trips through international flight records maintained by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. These revelations are part of a broader probe into the tax implications of Crow’s generosity towards Thomas, which includes luxurious yacht voyages and private jet travels.
Despite mounting criticism, Thomas has defended his non-disclosure, categorizing these extravagant gifts as “personal hospitality” exempt from mandatory reporting. His stance, however, has done little to quell the uproar from congressional Democrats and ethics watchdogs.
In a pointed eight-page letter to Crow’s attorney, Wyden expressed frustration over the lack of transparency from both Crow and Thomas regarding the full extent of the justice’s use of Crow’s yacht, Michaela Rose, and his private jets. This letter follows an initial request for information after investigative reports highlighted undisclosed luxury trips and real estate transactions linked to Crow.
Michael Zona, a spokesperson for Crow, dismissed Wyden’s inquiries as harassment, defending Crow’s adherence to tax laws and describing the Senate committee’s actions as politically motivated.
Meanwhile, other figures like Senator Dick Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have noted at least three other Crow-funded trips that Thomas omitted from his disclosures. The controversy has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Supreme Court.
Amid the backlash, the Supreme Court implemented its first code of conduct last November. However, critics argue the code lacks enforceability and sufficient measures to ensure judicial transparency.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates stated that the new revelations bolster President Joe Biden’s recent push for Supreme Court reforms, including term limits and a binding code of conduct. However, with strong Republican opposition in Congress, these proposed changes face an uphill battle.
As the shadows of opulence and influence loom over the judiciary, the demand for ethical clarity and reform grows louder, challenging the very pillars of America’s highest court.
