Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas spoke at a judicial conference on Friday, expressing frustration over what he described as harsh treatment and false accusations he and his wife have endured in recent years. He criticized Washington, D.C., calling it a difficult place to work.
Thomas addressed judges, lawyers, and court staff at the 11th Circuit Judicial Conference, which covers federal cases from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Responding to a question about dealing with a hostile environment, Thomas acknowledged the challenges he and his wife have faced.
“We’ve faced a lot of challenges, especially in the last few years. The negativity and falsehoods directed at us have been astonishing,” Thomas said. He emphasized the importance of not letting others define or change who you are.
Thomas has been criticized for reportedly accepting expensive trips from a Republican donor without disclosing them.
Migrant talks to volunteers (Phil Butler/Shutterstock)
He defended himself last year, stating that these trips were paid for by close friends and didn’t require reporting.
His wife, Ginni Thomas, a conservative activist, has also faced scrutiny for using her social media platform to promote unverified allegations against President Joe Biden.
Although Thomas didn’t directly address specific criticisms, he condemned what he called “reckless” actions by individuals in Washington who can damage reputations without committing a crime.
During the conference, Thomas, the longest-serving justice on the Supreme Court, discussed various topics including lessons from his grandfather, his relationships with former colleagues, and his belief in making court proceedings more understandable for everyday people.
