THOMAS FEIGNS THIRTY YEARS OF IGNORANCE ON BASIC DISCLOSURE RULE

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (April 7, 2022) — This morning, Justice Clarence Thomas responded to yesterday’s bombshell ProPublica report revealing his two-decade long failure to disclose lavish vacations and gifts he received from right-wing megadonor Harlan Crow. In a statement, Thomas claimed that he was advised that he did not have to disclose the kind of “personal hospitality” he received on the annual trips he shared with Crow, the latest of which ProPublica estimates likely cost as much as $500,000.

“Clarence Thomas wants us to believe that after being seated on the nation’s highest court, he had to ask a bunch of friends for advice on basic disclosure law like a first year Hill aide? If you believe that, I have a super yacht to sell you,” said Sarah Lipton-Lubet, president of Take Back the Court Action Fund. “Meanwhile, Thomas admitted in this same statement that his ‘close personal’ friendship with the Crows began after he had been a Supreme Court justice for years. When did Crow start showering him with gifts? Did any of the right-wing causes Crow funds have business in front of the Court? Thomas’ statement raises far more questions than it answers, and if he has further information to share on his corrupt behavior, he should do so in front of Congress. Senate Democrats must call for hearings and investigate this urgent matter immediately.”

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