Two Democratic senators have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to initiate a special counsel investigation into Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The senators raised concerns about potential federal ethics violations and the possibility of tax fraud by Justice Thomas.
The senators highlighted Thomas's close ties to wealthy individuals, particularly right-wing megadonor Harlan Crow. Crow has reportedly provided Thomas with extravagant gifts, international trips, and even paid for Thomas's grand-nephew's education at expensive boarding schools.
Last year, Thomas updated his financial disclosures to include previously undisclosed gifts and vacations from Crow, sparking further scrutiny.
In a letter to the Attorney General, the senators emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, citing evidence that suggests Justice Thomas may have violated federal ethics and false-statement laws. They also raised questions about Thomas and his benefactors' compliance with federal tax obligations.
Both senators have been vocal about their concerns regarding Thomas's financial disclosures. The Senate's Committee on Finance released a staff memo revealing that Thomas failed to report forgiveness on a significant loan in his ethics forms, prompting further inquiries into his tax compliance.
Despite repeated requests for clarification from Thomas and his attorney, the committee received no response, leading to the call for a formal investigation.
Justice Thomas has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that gifts from individuals like Crow are exempt from disclosure requirements under a 'personal hospitality exemption.'
The Justice Department declined to comment on the senators' letter, and representatives for the Supreme Court have not yet responded to requests for comment.
