Inside Scoop: Clarence Thomas's Hidden Ties to the Koch Network Revealed

Justice Clarence Thomas reportedly attended a private dinner in 2018 as part of the Koch network's winter donor summit. The Koch network, founded by libertarian billionaires Charles and David Koch, organized the event. ProPublica's investigation revealed that Thomas had previously attended Koch donor events on at least two occasions. According to interviews with former Koch network employees and a major donor, Thomas's presence was intended to incentivize donors to continue their support.

The report by ProPublica, part of a series that has exposed connections between Thomas and conservative interests, is expected to raise further concerns about Thomas' ethics, particularly considering the occasional support for litigation from the Koch network before the Supreme Court. Thomas attended the 2018 dinner in a Gulfstream G200 jet, but according to a spokesperson from the Koch network, the network did not cover the cost of the private jet and it was not disclosed in Thomas' financial disclosure forms for that year.

A spokesperson from the Koch network informed ProPublica that Thomas was not part of the fundraising discussions. In a statement to CNN, another spokesperson stated that the notion that attending a few events to promote a book or deliver dinner speeches, like all the justices do, could be considered undue influence is unsubstantiated.

ProPublica's request for comment was unanswered by Thomas, while CNN has contacted the Supreme Court for a response.

The Supreme Court has been facing persistent calls for a code of conduct that specifically applies to them, particularly from critics such as Democrats in Congress. Currently, the justices follow ethics regulations intended for lower court judges.

This issue arises at a crucial time, with the court set to hear a significant case this term, Loper Bright Enterprises, Inc. v. Raimondo. The case involves a group of fishermen who are being represented by a Koch-affiliated organization. If the court rules in their favor, it could greatly diminish the power of federal agencies and have wide-ranging implications for issues like climate change, public health, and immigration.

Conservatives have long argued for stricter limits on regulatory authority, claiming that the government in Washington exerts excessive control over American businesses and individual lives. The court has now agreed to directly consider overturning a 1984 case, Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.

Associate US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas poses for the official photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on October 7, 2022.

A comprehensive report by ProPublica provides the most extensive insight into the lavish travel arrangements of Clarence Thomas, which were financially supported by affluent acquaintances. It uncovers exclusive flights on private jets and helicopters, as well as privileged access to tickets for elite sporting events.

According to a spokesperson from a group affiliated with Koch, Loper's case aims to reinstate a fundamental principle of our democracy: that laws should be made by Congress, not administrative agencies.

Nevertheless, critics argue that Koch-funded groups have consistently taken aim at the Supreme Court precedent that is being challenged in this case.

According to Lisa Graves, the leader of the progressive watchdog group True North Research, ProPublica's latest investigation has uncovered new information about Justice Clarence Thomas' extensive connections to billionaires Charles Koch and Harlan Crow. It also reveals how he has used his position in public office to gain access to luxury travel and exclusive clubs that are only affordable to a select few.

Furthermore, Graves emphasizes that these benefactors are funding an extreme agenda aimed at reshaping our laws to serve their own interests. This includes Koch's longstanding opposition to Chevron deference, a legal precedent that has been in place for almost 40 years and is currently being considered for reversal and elimination by the Supreme Court.

ProPublica uncovered instances of undisclosed luxury travel previously funded by wealthy associates, which were not reported on the justices' financial disclosure forms. These trips, including extravagant vacations and private jet rides, were sponsored by GOP megadonor Harlan Crow. Notably, Crow also covered the private education expenses of Thomas' grandnephew, whom he assisted in raising. Recently, Thomas updated his financial disclosure forms to include a private real estate transaction involving himself, his family, and Crow, pertaining to the residence where Thomas' mother resides.