Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of the “Squad” has called upon the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate an investigation into Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
No one is above the law. For two decades, Justice Thomas failed to report millions in gifts. Today, we asked DOJ to investigate Thomas for violating the Ethics of Government Act of 1978. We are joined by Ranking Members Nadler & Raskin, and Judiciary Members Lieu & Hank Johnson. pic.twitter.com/UfV7qDVMAU
— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@RepAOC) August 11, 2023
Ocasio-Cortez and her cohorts contend that Thomas has failed to report significant gifts he allegedly received from Republican megadonor Harlan Crow and other wealthy individuals for nearly two decades.
No one is above the law: not Members of Congress, not the President, and not Justice Clarence Thomas.
Today @AOC @RepJerryNadler @RepHankJohnson @RepRaskin and I requested the DOJ to investigate Justice Thomas’ alleged staggering violations of the Ethics of Government Act. https://t.co/3JuBHKjKQY
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) August 11, 2023
In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the lawmakers demand that the DOJ look into Thomas’ actions, accusing him of repeatedly accepting undisclosed valuable gifts from Crow, a real estate developer. The letter highlights a ProPublica investigation from April that detailed Thomas’ purported relationship with Crow, asserting that the justice benefited from luxurious vacations, private jet and yacht trips, and complimentary stays at Crow’s vacation properties.
Furthermore, the letter accuses Thomas of not recusing himself from cases where potential conflicts of interest existed. It references other ProPublica investigations that suggest Thomas received additional gifts from wealthy individuals.
Ocasio-Cortez took to social media to underscore the call for investigation, stating that “no one is above the law” and asserting that Thomas violated the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
Thomas had responded to the initial ProPublica report in April, defending his longstanding friendship with Harlan and Kathy Crow. He explained that the travel and hospitality he received from them over the years did not require reporting, as they were personal in nature and did not involve business before the Court.
