Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has faced scrutiny over previously unreported trips, paid for by a conservative businessman. Amidst this controversy, Fox News legal editor Kerri Kupec Urbahn defends Thomas's reputation and questions the relentless narrative surrounding him.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has acknowledged several previously unreported overseas trips that were funded by conservative businessman Harlan Crow. One of these trips, taken in 2019, included Thomas's wife, Virginia, and brought them to Bali, Indonesia. Another trip, also in 2019, was to Sonoma County, California.
The trips were not disclosed in Thomas's 2019 financial disclosure report. However, on Friday, he released amended 2023 financial disclosure forms that included the trips. The filing states that he sought guidance from his accountant and ethics counsel during the report's preparation and filing.
The amended report includes entries for both trips under the reimbursement section. The trip to Bali lists Harlan and Kathy Crow as the source, with the dates July 12-18, 2019, and the purpose as "Guests of Source." The trip to Sonoma County lists Harlan Crow as the source, with the dates July 18-21, 2019, and the purpose as "Guest of Source."
Thomas's vacations were initially reported in April 2023. At the time, Thomas issued a statement defending the trips and explaining that he had always followed Supreme Court guidance. He stated that his and the Crows' friendship spans over 25 years, and that joining them on family trips is a common practice among friends.
Thomas further explained that he sought guidance from colleagues and others in the judiciary early in his tenure at the Court, and was advised that this type of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who do not have business before the Court, was not reportable. He has endeavored to follow that counsel throughout his tenure and has always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines.
However, these guidelines are now being changed, as the committee of the Judicial Conference responsible for financial disclosure for the entire federal judiciary recently announced new guidance. Thomas intends to follow this guidance in the future.
Amidst the scrutiny surrounding these trips, Fox News legal editor Kerri Kupec Urbahn has questioned the relentless narrative against Thomas. She defends his "incredible reputation" and emphasizes the need for fairness and objectivity in assessing the situation.
The controversy surrounding Thomas's unreported trips has raised questions about ethics and transparency in the Supreme Court. It has also brought to light the scrutiny that public figures often face, particularly those in positions of power. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will address the issue and what impact it will have on the public's perception of the court and its justices.
