Supreme Court Justice’s Financial Ties Spark Calls for Transparency

A recent investigation into Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ financial relationships with wealthy donor Harlan Crow has raised concerns over lack of transparency in his financial disclosures.

Undisclosed Gifts Total Over $1 Million

According to reports, the value of Thomas’ undisclosed gifts from Crow could total over $1 million. The investigation revealed that Crow’s companies purchased and renovated Thomas’ mother’s home, which the justice did not disclose on his ethics forms despite co-owning the property prior to the sale.

Potential Conflict of Interest

The court, including Thomas, voted to deny a petition involving Trammell Crow Residential, a company founded by Crow’s father and in which the Crow family was invested at the time. This has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the need for greater transparency.

Harlan Crow: A Prolific Political Donor

Crow is a prolific political donor, having given over $10 million to conservative causes, with some donations not publicly disclosed. His dual citizenship in St. Kitts and Nevis has raised concerns about financial secrecy and potential tax avoidance.

Financial Watchdog Group Calls for Investigation

The financial watchdog group POGO (Project On Government Oversight) has called for an investigation into Thomas’ alleged violations of the Ethics in Government Act, which requires financial disclosures. The group also recommends civil monetary penalties if warranted.

Concerns About Transparency and Accountability

“This lack of transparency is unacceptable,” said Walter Shaub, a former director of the Office of Government Ethics and now a POGO senior adviser. “The Department of Justice has a duty to hold Justice Thomas accountable for this flagrant law-breaking.”

Supreme Court’s Response

Thomas has defended his actions, citing that he did not have business before the court at the time of the gifts. However, critics argue that the lack of transparency undermines public trust in the Supreme Court.

Dual Citizenship and Financial Secrecy Concerns

The issue of dual citizenship and financial secrecy is particularly concerning given the risk of tax evasion and money laundering. St. Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Program has been linked to these issues, with reports of high-net-worth individuals using the program to hide their true ownership of bank accounts.

Senate Finance Committee Report

In response to concerns over tax avoidance, the Senate Finance Committee recently released a report highlighting the risks of high-net-worth dual citizens avoiding taxes. The committee recommends fully funding the IRS to address offshore tax evasion.

Call for Action

It is essential that the Department of Justice takes action to hold Supreme Court justices accountable for their financial dealings and maintains transparency in their financial disclosures. The Inflation Reduction Act provides a historic investment in the IRS, and the agency has pledged to use that money to pursue any tax avoidance by high-net-worth individuals.

Recommendation

The Department of Justice should conduct a thorough investigation into Thomas’ alleged violations of the Ethics in Government Act and take appropriate action if warranted. Additionally, the Supreme Court should implement measures to increase transparency in their financial disclosures to maintain public trust.