Chief Justice declines Senate Democrats' request for meeting on Alito flag flap

Chief Justice John Roberts declined a meeting with Democratic senators to talk about ethics on the court and Justice Samuel Alito's controversial flags. Roberts said it's rare for a Chief Justice to meet with legislators, and it's important to keep the branches of government separate. Alito also refused to step back from cases involving Donald Trump and the Capitol riot, saying his wife flew the flags without knowing their meanings. Democratic senators wanted Roberts to push Alito to recuse himself from such cases, but Roberts said meeting with only one party would not be wise. The Supreme Court faced criticism for justices accepting gifts and trips without disclosure. Last year, a code of ethics was adopted, but it's not enforceable. Some senators proposed stricter ethics rules for justices, but Republicans opposed them. Roberts' decision not to meet with the senators came after Alito's refusal to recuse himself from certain cases. Alito's wife flew controversial flags, leading to calls for his recusal. Roberts emphasized the importance of judicial independence and separation of powers in his response to the senators. Alito's refusal to recuse himself from cases involving Trump and the Capitol riot stirred controversy. His wife flew flags associated with political movements, but Alito claimed he was unaware of their meanings. Roberts declined the meeting with Democratic senators, citing the need to preserve judicial independence and separation of powers. The Supreme Court has faced scrutiny over justices' ties to donors and gifts, leading to calls for stricter ethics rules. Alito's decision not to step back from cases raised concerns about judicial impartiality and ethics.