Senators call for special counsel to investigate Justice Clarence Thomas

In a recent development, two Senate Democrats have called for an investigation into Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, alleging potential violations of federal tax and ethics laws. Senators Ron Wyden and Sheldon Whitehouse have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special counsel to look into Thomas' acceptance of travel and lodging from wealthy benefactors. The senators claim that Thomas may have committed numerous willful violations of federal ethics and false-statement laws, raising concerns about his compliance with federal tax obligations. The investigation stems from reports detailing undisclosed trips and gifts received by Thomas from Republican megadonor Harlan Crow, which were not reported on his financial disclosures. The senators highlighted instances where Thomas allegedly failed to report gifts and income, including yacht trips and lodging, potentially worth millions of dollars. Thomas' lawyer stated that the justice and his wife made regular payments to benefactors, but questions remain about the lack of disclosure and compliance with ethics laws. The senators' request for a special counsel comes amidst a broader scrutiny of ethics practices at the Supreme Court and declining public trust in the institution. Thomas has denied any wrongdoing, attributing the gifts to hospitality from friends and claiming he was not required to report them. The controversies surrounding Thomas have sparked calls for a binding code of ethics for Supreme Court justices, similar to those followed by lower federal judges, to address concerns about transparency and accountability. The push for an investigation into Thomas comes at a time when the Supreme Court's credibility is under scrutiny, with public opinion reaching record lows due to ethics controversies and contentious rulings on key issues like abortion. The senators' letter to Garland underscores the growing calls for accountability and transparency within the judiciary, as lawmakers and the public seek to uphold the integrity of the nation's highest court amidst ongoing ethical challenges.