Thomas secretly attended Koch donor events: ProPublica

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas attended at least two donor events for the Koch network, according to a ProPublica report published Friday.

Thomas in 2018 went to a private dinner for donors at the group’s annual summit in California and was brought in to speak with the hopes that the access would encourage donations, according to the report.

Charles and David Koch over the years built an influence network that poured millions into conservative and libertarian causes. David Koch died in 2019. 

Thomas did not disclose the trip to the summit on his annual financial disclosure, though ProPublica did not identify who paid for the private jet flight.

A Koch network spokesperson told the outlet that the network, known as Stand Together, did not pay for the flight. The spokesperson also attacked the report as “advocacy journalism intended to discredit and undermine the Supreme Court.”

“There is a long tradition of public officials, including Supreme Court Justices, sharing their experiences, ideas, and judicial philosophy with members of the public at dinners and other events,” the spokesperson said in a statement to ProPublica. “All of the sitting Justices and many who came before them have contributed to the national dialogue in speeches, book tours, and social gatherings. Our events are no different. To claim otherwise is false.”

The Los Angeles Times reported in 2011 that a court spokeswoman acknowledged that Thomas had “dropped by” a private meeting held by the Koch brothers after a summit invitation surfaced that indicated Thomas was previously featured at the event.

The Hill has reached out to Stand Together and Thomas, through a court spokesperson, for comment.

The Supreme Court has a narrow definition of banned fundraising that only applies to events that raise more money than expenses incurred, or where guests are actually asked to contribute funds.

ProPublica earlier this year detailed years of undisclosed luxury trips that Thomas had accepted from GOP megadonor and real estate magnate Harlan Crow. 

Thomas defended himself by saying he sought guidance and was told the trips fell under a personal hospitality exception and did not need to be disclosed. The guidance for the exception has since been clarified to indicate it does not apply to private jet flights or stays at commercial properties.

The ethics controversies surrounding Thomas and other justices have fueled a push for the Supreme Court to adopt a binding code of ethics. But Republicans have opposed the push, portraying it as an attempt to tear down the court’s conservative majority, giving the bill slim odds of passage.