How the Supreme Court justice has reaped benefits from a network of wealthy and well-connected pals.
The Big Story
Thu. Aug 10, 2023
Clarence Thomas’ 38 Vacations: The Other Billionaires Who Have Treated the Supreme Court Justice to Luxury Travel
The fullest accounting yet shows how Thomas has secretly reaped the benefits from a network of wealthy and well-connected patrons that is far more extensive than previously understood.
by Brett Murphy and Alex Mierjeski
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During his three decades on the Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas has enjoyed steady access to a lifestyle most Americans can only imagine.

Our latest reporting has identified at least 38 gifted destination vacations, including a previously unreported voyage on a yacht around the Bahamas, Thomas took but didn't disclose.

To compile this account, ProPublica reporters Brett Murphy and Alex Mierjeski examined flight data, emails from airport and university officials, tax court filings and a trove of photographs from personal albums, including cards Thomas’ wife, Ginni, sent to friends.

They also interviewed more than 100 eyewitnesses and other sources: jet and helicopter pilots, flight attendants, airport workers, yacht crew members, security guards, photographers, waitresses, caterers, chefs, drivers, river rafting guides and C-suite executives.

Thomas did not respond to a detailed list of questions. Previously, he said that he understood he didn’t have to disclose the trips.

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More from this investigation
How Harlan Crow Slashed his Tax Bill by Taking Clarence Thomas on Superyacht Cruises
In lavishing gifts on the Supreme Court justice, the billionaire GOP donor may have violated tax laws, according to tax experts.
by Paul Kiel
Billionaire Harlan Crow Bought Property From Clarence Thomas. The Justice Didn’t Disclose the Deal.
The transaction is the first known instance of money flowing from Crow to the Supreme Court justice. The sale netted the GOP megadonor two vacant lots and the house where Thomas’ mother was living.
by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan and Alex Mierjeski
Clarence Thomas Had a Child in Private School. Harlan Crow Paid the Tuition.
Crow paid for private school for a relative Thomas said he was raising “as a son.” “This is way outside the norm,” said a former White House ethics lawyer.
by Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott and Alex Mierjeski
Clarence Thomas and the Billionaire
Island-hopping on a superyacht. Private jet rides around the world. The undisclosed gifts to Thomas have no known precedent in the modern history of the Supreme Court. “It’s incomprehensible to me that someone would do this,” says one former judge.
by Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott and Alex Mierjeski
The Origins of Our Investigation Into Clarence Thomas’ Relationship With Harlan Crow
The lavish travel, real estate deal and tuition arrangements have set off a frenzy. Here’s where our reporting started and how we got the story.
by Stephen Engelberg and Jesse Eisinger
Clarence Thomas Defends Undisclosed “Family Trips” With GOP Megadonor. Here Are the Facts.
In response to a ProPublica report, Thomas explained why he did not disclose lavish travel provided by billionaire Harlan Crow. But legal experts maintain the justice was required to make these disclosures.
by Joshua Kaplan, Justin Elliott and Alex Mierjeski
Lawmakers Call for Investigation and Ethics Reforms in Response to ProPublica Report on Clarence Thomas
Influential Democratic legislators are pushing for changes at the Supreme Court and a probe into Thomas’ undisclosed luxury trips provided by powerful conservative donor Harlan Crow.
by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan and Alex Mierjeski
Justice Samuel Alito Took Luxury Fishing Vacation With GOP Billionaire Who Later Had Cases Before the Court
In the years after the undisclosed trip to Alaska, Republican megadonor Paul Singer’s hedge fund has repeatedly had business before the Supreme Court. Alito has never recused himself.
by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, Alex Mierjeski
Behind the Scenes of Justice Alito’s Unprecedented Wall Street Journal Pre-buttal
The Journal editorial page accused ProPublica of misleading readers in a story that hadn’t yet been published.
by Jesse Eisinger and Stephen Engelberg
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