Report says, Justice Thomas’ aide received money from lawyers

WASHINGTON – A new report has revealed that an aide to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas received money from lawyers.

These lawyers had argued cases before the Supreme Court.

The report, published by The Guardian, shows that Rajan Vasisht, who served as Thomas’ aide from July 2019 to July 2021, received seven payments.

Those payments were made in November and December 2019 by attorneys who previously served as Thomas’ law clerks.

“The amount of the payments is not disclosed, but the purpose of each payment is listed as either ‘Christmas party,’ ‘Thomas Christmas Party,’ ‘CT Christmas Party,’ or ‘CT Xmas party,’ in an apparent reference to the justice’s initials.”

The report has raised concerns about the ethical implications of the payments.

Some critics have accused Thomas of using his position on the Supreme Court to enrich himself and his family.

Others said the payments could create the appearance of a conflict of interest because the attorneys who made the payments could have future cases before the Supreme Court.

Thomas did not comment on the report.

Justice Thomas has been a controversial figure since his appointment to the Supreme Court in 1991.

He has been accused of being out of touch with the needs of ordinary Americans and too conservative in his decisions. The payments to his adviser only added to the controversy surrounding Thomas.

His own real estate company, Crow Holdings, was directly involved in a case before the court in 2021.

Richard Painter, the chief White House ethics lawyer during former President George W. Bush’s administration, told The Guardian that “it is ‘not appropriate’ for former Thomas law clerks who were established in private practice to—in effect—send money to the Supreme Court via Venmo.”

“There is no excuse for it. Thomas could invite them to his Christmas party and he could attend Christmas parties, as long as they are not discussing any cases. His Christmas party should not be paid for by lawyers,” Painter said. “A federal government employee collecting money from lawyers for any reason… I don’t see how that works.”