Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is facing mounting pressure to resign as Democratic lawmakers continue to call for his resignation.
In April, a report published by ProPublica exposed the Conservative justice’s murky dealings with prominent Republican wealthy donor, Harlan Crow. According to the investigation, Thomas and his wife accepted luxury trips and gifts from Crow for decades.
Crow became close friends with him and Thomas’ wife, Ginni Thomas. In 2011, the New York Times reported that the real estate magnate helped finance a museum dedicated to the history of Thomas’ hometown, Pin Point, Georgia. Thomas has rejected increasing calls for him to resign. He denies any intentional wrongdoing, but the Democrats call the “unprecedented” level of “hypocrisy,” one which cannot be swept under the carpet.
“Unprecedented. Stunning. Disgusting. The height of hypocrisy to wear the robes of a [supreme court justice] and take undisclosed gifts from billionaires who benefit from your decisions. 38 free vacations. Yachts. Luxury mansions. Skyboxes at events. Resign,” Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, wrote.
On Thursday (Aug.10), ProPublica released another damning report documenting Thomas’ interchanges with several high-profile backers.
“While some of the hospitality, such as stays in personal homes, may not have required disclosure, Thomas appears to have violated the law by failing to disclose flights, yacht cruises and expensive sports tickets, according to ethics experts,” the report says.
ProPublica says Thomas’ failure to disclose travel and sports may have even broken the law. The Democrats agree.
“Justice Thomas has brought shame upon himself and the United States Supreme Court with his acceptance of massive, repeated and undisclosed gifts,” Rep. Ted Lieu tweeted. “No government official, elected or unelected, could ethically or legally accept gifts of that scale. He should resign immediately.”
