Clarence Thomas’s club membership under scrutiny.

Justice Clarence Thomas’s Club Membership Under Scrutiny

Justice Clarence Thomas’s involvement in an exclusive club has recently come under scrutiny, raising questions about potential ethical concerns surrounding some of the justices.

Months after his highly contentious confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court, Thomas joined the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, named after the renowned Gilded Age author.

The New York Times reported that Thomas’s connections through the club allegedly provided him and his wife, Virginia Thomas, with access to luxurious vacation retreats, VIP treatment at sporting events, and other extravagant experiences. In fact, one member of the club, David Sokol, described the Thomases as “close personal friends” and has hosted them at his Montana ranch and waterfront mansion in Florida.

Furthermore, Thomas is said to have received benefits from other Horatio Alger members, some of whom are major donors to conservative causes with significant interests in Supreme Court decisions. While there is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Thomas’s part, this report adds to the growing concerns about potential ethics violations.

Both Thomas and Republicans have claimed that he is a victim of a smear campaign targeting conservative justices.

Previously, ProPublica revealed that Thomas took undisclosed trips with billionaire GOP donor Harlan Crow, while fellow Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito allegedly went on an expensive trip with a different friend, Paul Singer, to an Alaskan fishing lodge. The outlet also uncovered undisclosed real estate transactions between the Thomases and Crow, who even paid the tuition for one of Thomas’s relatives.

While both justices have defended their friendships and trips, Democrats have criticized the apparent conflicts of interest.

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