Democrats Request Investigation into Supreme Court Justices Roberts and Thomas for Unreported Travel

Several Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into Supreme Court Justices John Roberts and Clarence Thomas for allegedly failing to report travel expenses paid for by conservative groups.

The lawmakers, led by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, have requested that the Justice Department investigate the justices’ attendance at events hosted by conservative organizations, some of which have ties to major Republican donors. The events included discussions on issues such as healthcare, climate change, and gun rights, and the lawmakers argue that the justices’ attendance raises questions about their impartiality and potential conflicts of interest.

In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the lawmakers wrote, “Justices are not only entrusted with interpreting the law, but also with following the law. It is alarming that Justices Clarence Thomas and John Roberts may have disregarded federal ethics and disclosure requirements.”

Under federal law, justices are required to report all reimbursements for travel expenses and hospitality, including meals and lodging, on their financial disclosure forms. Failure to do so can result in fines or disciplinary action.

The Supreme Court has not yet commented on the matter, and it is unclear whether the Justice Department will launch an investigation.

This is not the first time that Justice Thomas has faced scrutiny over his connections to conservative groups. In 2011, his wife’s work for a conservative organization was criticized, and in 2020, he faced calls to recuse himself from cases involving President Trump due to his ties to the president and his administration.

The latest call for an investigation into Justices Thomas and Roberts highlights the ongoing debate over the role of the Supreme Court and the need for transparency and accountability among its members. As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court’s decisions have far-reaching implications for American society, and the public has a right to know that its justices are acting in the best interests of the country and not in the interests of special interests or political parties.