Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) shared her reaction to a report about U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, saying he should be impeached.
Ocasio-Cortez tweeted her reaction to a report published by ProPublica showing Thomas, who for more than two decades, accepted luxury trips almost annually from a Dallas businessman without disclosing them, citing documents and interviews.
The report identifies the businessman as real estate magnate and Republican megadonor Harlan Crow.
“This is beyond party or partisanship. This degree of corruption is shocking – almost cartoonish. Thomas must be impeached,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted in response.
She added, “Barring some dramatic change, this is what the Roberts court will be known for: rank corruption, erosion of democracy, and the stripping of human rights.”
This is beyond party or partisanship. This degree of corruption is shocking – almost cartoonish. Thomas must be impeached.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) April 6, 2023
Barring some dramatic change, this is what the Roberts court will be known for: rank corruption, erosion of democracy, and the stripping of human rights. https://t.co/t8fnGLVhbV
ProPublica reported the trips did not appear on Thomas’ financial disclosures.
His failure to report the flights appears to violate a law requiring justices, judges, members of Congress and federal officials to disclose the majority gifts, per the outlet.
Crow issued a statement, saying, “The hospitality we have extended to the Thomas’s over the years is no different from the hospitality we have extended to our many other dear friends. We have been most fortunate to have a great life of many friends and financial success, and we have always placed a priority on spending time with our family and friends. Justice Thomas and Ginni never asked for any of this hospitality.”
According to Crow, “We have never asked about a pending or lower court case, and Justice Thomas has never discussed one, and we have never sought to influence Justice Thomas on any legal or political issue. More generally, I am unaware of any of our friends ever lobbying or seeking to influence Justice Thomas on any case, and I would never invite anyone who I believe had any intention of doing that. These are gatherings of friends.”
Concluding the statement, Crow wrote, “On a number of occasions, we have made contributions to projects celebrating the life and legacy of Justice Thomas, just as we have done with other great leaders and historically significant figures.”
He continued, “He and Ginni never asked us to do any of this. We did so because we believe Justice Thomas to be one of the greatest Americans of our time, and we believe it is important to make sure as many people as possible learn about him, remember him, and understand the ideals for which he stands. We will continue to support projects that advance this goal.”
