GOP Donor Paid Tuition For Justice Thomas’ Grandnephew

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Facts

  • On Thursday, a lawyer for SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas acknowledged a ProPublica report that billionaire Harlan Crow paid two years of tuition for the justice's grandnephew, Mark Martin, who attended two private boarding schools in Georgia and Virginia.1
  • The news is the latest story of links between the Republican donor and Thomas, with other revelations detailing how Crow paid for Thomas’ luxury vacations and purchased property from the Thomas family. None of these transactions were previously disclosed by the parties involved.1
  • A bank statement in an unrelated financial disclosure revealed Crow paid tuition in July 2009 for Martin, whom Thomas and his wife have said they raised “as a son.' A former administrator for the school confirmed Crow paid the tuition for all of Martin’s stint.2
  • Meanwhile, Crow has previously said he never discussed business with Thomas or his wife, but a Guardian report alleged Crow has had business before SCOTUS during his friendship with the justice.3
  • These revelations have led to calls from Congress to establish a binding conduct policy for SCOTUS justices. Chief Justice John Roberts recently rebuffed an invitation from the Senate Judiciary Committee to speak on the ethical standards of the court during a hearing held on Tuesday.4

Sources: 1Associated Press, 2Independent, 3Guardian and 4CBS.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by MSNBC. Thomas once said in a speech that being a SCOTUS justice isn’t “worth doing for what they pay.” Well, he’s obviously found ways to enrich himself and his family while serving on the court. The rush of ethics scandals seemingly has no end, and it’s time for Thomas to be held accountable in order to save the legitimacy of SCOTUS.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. This is but the latest attempt to smear Thomas, this time by throwing his innocent grandnephew into the political fire. Thomas is only guilty of caring for a child whom he helped obtain a prestigious education through friends with no entanglements with SCOTUS. Democrats, trying to force a conflict of interest, are delegitimizing the court in the eyes of the American people.

Predictions