Top Dems urge DOJ to probe Justice Clarence Thomas.

Five congressional Democrats have called⁤ for an investigation into Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas over gifts he allegedly received from conservative billionaires.

The letter ‌(pdf), dated Aug. 11, was signed by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), and Ted Lieu ‍(D-Calif.).

Following a series of reports by left-wing media outlet ProPublica, the lawmakers have urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Justice Thomas for allegedly failing to report significant gifts ‌from Harlan Crow and other billionaires over the past two decades.

The most recent ProPublica report,​ published on Aug. 10, revealed ‍that Justice Thomas has allegedly received numerous undisclosed gifts from wealthy patrons, including luxurious vacations, private jet flights, VIP passes to sporting events, and‌ stays ​at luxury resorts.

Undisclosed Trips

These⁤ gifts, ‌which are estimated to be worth ​several million dollars, have allowed Justice Thomas to enjoy a lifestyle beyond his income.

The Democrats are particularly concerned⁢ about the ⁣gifts given by Harlan Crow, a​ wealthy Republican donor, which include vacations, ‍tuition support, and real estate purchases.

According to the letter, Justice Thomas has repeatedly failed to report these valuable gifts, despite certifying the accuracy and completeness‌ of his financial disclosure forms.

The lawmakers argue that the Ethics in Government Act requires Supreme Court justices to disclose their financial information, including gifts and property interests.

They state, “No individual, regardless of their position or stature, should be exempt from‌ legal scrutiny for lawbreaking.”

‘A Political⁣ Hit Job’

Harlan Crow, the donor in question, has criticized previous reports about Justice Thomas as a “political hit job.”

Justice Thomas maintains that he has always tried to comply with the disclosure guidelines and that he was advised early in his Supreme Court tenure that⁢ personal hospitality from‍ friends not involved in Court matters did​ not ‌need to be‌ reported.

While some lawyers argue that the Ethics in Government Act requires gift declarations from Supreme⁢ Court justices, others believe that the Court, being established by the Constitution, is not subject to congressional regulation.

They also point out that Justice Thomas‍ has not participated in cases involving his benefactors, thus avoiding any conflict of interest. However, Democrats argue that accepting⁣ gifts ‌is inappropriate for a judicial officer and⁢ suggests corruption, even without direct evidence of quid pro quo.

‘Harassing and Intimidating’

The lawmakers’ letter follows the approval of a ⁢Democrat-backed Supreme ‌Court⁢ ethics bill by the Democrat-controlled Senate ‍Judiciary Committee.