Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas faced scrutiny in April when ProPublica reported on the travel benefits he and his wife received from billionaire Harlan Crow. However, Thomas defended his relationship with the Crows, stating that they have been close friends for over 25 years and have gone on several family trips together. It seems that Thomas has many wealthy friends, most of whom he met after joining the court, and they have been quite generous towards him and his family.
One of Thomas’s friends, Anthony Welters, a healthcare tycoon, provided private financing that allowed the Thomases to purchase a motor coach worth $267,230 in 1999. Welters played a vital role in securing financing for the high-end recreational vehicle that the Thomases wanted. Roughly nine years later, the loan was reported as “satisfied,” but it remains unclear whether Thomas repaid Welters or if Welters forgave the debt partially or in full.
Unfortunately, Thomas did not disclose this arrangement on his financial disclosure forms, making it impossible for the public to know the details. When questioned about the loan, Thomas remained unresponsive. The New York Times explained that vehicle loans are usually exempt from reporting requirements as long as they are secured and the loan amount does not exceed the purchase price. Private loans, however, can be considered gifts or income if they do not meet certain criteria, including having well-documented terms similar to bank offerings and adhering to repayment schedules.
A recent investigation by ProPublica provides a detailed account of how Thomas used his position to enjoy lavish vacations, closely resembling “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” The report, which may underestimate the true scope of his travels, highlights at least 38 destination vacations, including a previously unreported trip on a yacht in the Bahamas, 26 private jet flights, eight helicopter trips, VIP passes to sporting events, stays at luxury resorts in Florida and Jamaica, and membership at an exclusive golf club overlooking the Atlantic coast.
Thomas has cultivated relationships with numerous wealthy individuals, including oil executive Paul Novelly, former Berkshire Hathaway executive David Sokol, and the late billionaire Wayne Huizenga. While other justices have accepted hospitality and disclosed their gifts, the extent of Thomas’s travel seems unparalleled. Former federal judge Jeremy Fogel, who reviewed justices’ financial disclosure forms, described it as an unprecedented level of generosity bestowed upon one individual.
Such conduct is unbecoming of any public official, let alone a Supreme Court justice. It is hypocritical for Thomas to live a billionaire lifestyle while donning the robes of his office. Don Fox, former general counsel of the Office of Government Ethics, criticized Thomas for his behavior, calling it the “height of hypocrisy.”
Thomas may argue that some benefits fall under the category of personal hospitality and, therefore, do not need to be reported. However, private jet travel, like the flights provided by Huizenga, likely does not fall into this category. The “Guide to Judiciary Policy” clearly states that judges cannot accept gifts so frequently that it raises suspicion of private gain. Thomas’s behavior raises questions about the ethicality of his actions and tarnishes the reputation of the Supreme Court.
In a previous article, I called for Thomas to provide a comprehensive account of the benefits he received or for Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. to demand it. Since then, we have discovered additional perks, such as Crow’s purchase of Thomas’s mother’s house and his tuition payments for Thomas’s grandnephew. Thomas’s supporters may argue that this is all part of a liberal plot to discredit him, but he is the one discrediting himself and the institution he serves. If he fails to realize this reality, it is the responsibility of his colleagues to address the issue.
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