After Ethics Lapses, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Granted Extension To Submit Financial Disclosure Report

The annual financial disclosure reports from the Supreme Court Justices were made public on Wednesday, but Justice Clarence Thomas requested and was granted a 90-day extension to submit his statement.

Justice Samuel Alito, who has been known to ask for more time, was given the same extension.

The financial disclosure reports that the Supreme Court Justices are required to publish hold information about gifts and income they have received throughout the year, and about any other positions they hold outside of the Supreme Court.

Thomas has been facing scrutiny from congressional Democrats over his personal and transactional relationship with Texas real estate developer Harlan Crow. The two have been friends for more than 20 years, and seemingly have a financial arrangement that Thomas did not originally disclose in his report.

A news outlet revealed that Thomas has taken multiple trips on Crow’s private yacht and plane to destination spots throughout the year. In a $100,000 deal, Crow purchased three properties that now belong to Thomas and his family, and also paid two years of tuition at boarding schools for Thomas’ grandnephew.

While Thomas has confirmed that he has taken a number of trips with Crow, he claimed he was unaware that he was required to note these accommodations in his disclosure report. He has agreed to comply with the guidelines and submit the report by the end of his extension period.

Several other justices reported trips taken domestically and internationally throughout the year, as well as gifts they had received. In her report, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson disclosed a congratulatory $1,200 floral arrangement given to her by Oprah Winfrey.

Also revealed in the 2022 reports were details about jobs and activities that the Justices participate in. Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh all hold teaching positions in their spare time.

Thomas must hand in his financial disclosure report by September 18, 2023.

Article by Ava Lombardi