Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is facing a possible investigation regarding corruption charges over a real estate deal he made with Republican billionaire Harlan Crow which the Justice failed to disclose. The claims have led many to cite that the Justice has been enriched by his relationship with the Republican megadonor, and now actor George Takei is weighing in on the controversy.
The news came from a report published in ProPublica, a non-profit news site with the mission to uncover corruption in power through investigative journalism. The report claims that the billionaire bought the property from Justice Thomas, including the property his mother lives in, as well as some vacant lots. According to a federal disclosure law, Justices and other officials must disclose when they make a real estate sale over $1000. In this instance, the disclosure never happened.
The two have a “friendly” relationship, with Crow having taken Thomas and his wife on luxury trips, out on yachts, although Crow told ProPublica that these were “no different from the hospitality we have extended to our many other dear friends.” However, with this new transaction having come to light, questions are being raised as to whether or not Thomas is financially gaining from this friendship.
Takei seems to be having none of it, and, as he is wont to do, has called out those involved in this apparent corruption on Twitter.
The Star Trek actor seems to believe that this real estate transaction is not the only undisclosed transaction of money between the two parties. It is possible that with a little more digging more of these cases could be found, or that this really was a one-time deal whereby Crow wished to buy the land to “maintain this historic site so future generations could learn about the inspiring life of one of our greatest Americans.”
It would appear that the vacant lots Crow purchased have been sold on, but the billionaire still owns Thomas’ mother’s house, which underwent vast renovations after it was purchased, again “to preserve its long-term viability and accessibility to the public,” according to Crow. These renovations included a new carport.
At this moment it is unclear what will happen with this newfound information. Already congressional Democrats are calling for a probe into the issue and for stricter enforcement of the ethics code for justices. The Senate Judiciary Committee has also called for a hearing with the aim of restoring confidence in the Supreme Court’s ethical standards, a hearing that Thomas may need to attend as a witness. No doubt Takei will keep us informed of the matter as it continues.