AOC files articles of impeachment against Justices Thomas, Alito

Liberal Democratic US Representative, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has taken aim at conservative U.S. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, citing ethical concerns and conflicts of interest.

On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, announced the introduction of articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

This bold move targets two of the most conservative justices on the bench, alleging ethical lapses and conflicts of interest that threaten the integrity of the judiciary.

The impeachment effort, however, faces insurmountable odds in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Under the U.S. Constitution, the House must first vote to impeach an official, followed by a trial and conviction vote in the Senate. Given the current political landscape, the likelihood of such proceedings advancing is exceedingly low.

For years, Democrats have voiced concerns over the Supreme Court’s conservative tilt, particularly as it stands at a 6-3 majority favoring right-leaning interpretations of the law. High-profile rulings have sparked controversy, including the rollback of abortion rights, expansion of gun rights, rejection of race-conscious collegiate admissions, and decisions that have shielded former presidents from prosecution for official acts, notably benefiting Donald Trump.

In her statement, Ocasio-Cortez condemned Thomas and Alito for what she described as a “pattern of refusal to recuse from consequential matters before the court in which they hold widely documented financial and personal entanglements.” She emphasized that such actions pose a “grave threat to American rule of law.”

The ethical concerns surrounding Justices Thomas and Alito have been a focal point for many Democrats. Justice Thomas has faced severe criticism following reports that he did not disclose travel and lodging gifts from a wealthy benefactor. Additionally, his wife, Ginni Thomas, was reported to be involved in efforts to overturn Trump’s 2020 election defeat. Thomas defended himself by stating that the travel was considered personal hospitality, not subject to disclosure requirements.

Justice Alito has also been scrutinized after flags associated with Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results were displayed outside his residences in Virginia and New Jersey. Alito has responded by claiming that it was his wife, not he, who displayed the flags.

Despite the slim chances of the impeachment articles moving forward, Ocasio-Cortez’s action underscores increasing tension and dissatisfaction among Democrats regarding the Supreme Court’s direction and perceived ethical failings. The move also highlights ongoing debates about judicial accountability and the balance of power within the U.S. government.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how this dramatic development unfolds and its implications for the future of the U.S. judiciary and broader political discourse.