WASHINGTON — Justice Samuel Alito revealed on Friday that he accepted concert tickets valued at $900 from a German socialite, yet he did not disclose any travel expenses covered by others, according to his latest financial disclosure form.
Alito’s annual disclosure, which he has frequently requested extensions for, contains no details regarding the tickets gifted by Gloria von Thurn und Taxis. Furthermore, Alito did not report earning any income from teaching or book contracts.
This scrutiny comes as Supreme Court justices face increased calls for ethical transparency amid growing concerns regarding undisclosed gifts and trips from affluent benefactors. Alito received an extension for his report, while the other justices submitted their filings in June.
Justice Clarence Thomas also faced recent scrutiny after revealing additional travel expenses covered by wealthy donors, including lodging in Bali and accommodations at a private club in Sonoma County.
Alito himself accepted a private flight to an upscale fishing lodge in Alaska in 2008, reportedly funded by wealthy Republican patrons. He stated that he believed he was not required to disclose such travel under prior exemptions.
Additionally, Alito reported selling stock, including Anheuser Busch shares valued between $1,000 and $15,000 in August 2023, as the stock began to recover following a boycott by conservative groups. He has yet to comment on this stock transaction, which he first disclosed in May. Alito also mentioned a 2015 loan from Edward D. Jones that was initially valued between $250,000 and $500,000 and is mostly repaid, although it was previously omitted from some disclosures.
Questions have also arisen regarding flags displayed outside some properties owned by Alito, which he attributes to his wife.
The recently adopted ethics code for the justices does not include an enforcement mechanism. This code categorizes travel, food, and lodging as expenses rather than gifts, thereby not mandating reported valuations.
Calls have emerged from some Democratic leaders for a binding code of conduct with provisions for investigating alleged breaches. Justice Elena Kagan has also expressed support for enforcing such measures, but the chances of legislative action remain slim in the current political landscape.
These annual financial disclosures offer a limited view of the justices’ financial situations, as they are not required to disclose the value of their properties or their spouses’ earnings.
In a related disclosure, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reported receiving concert tickets valued at over $3,700 from singer Beyoncé. Other justices have also reported significant book deal earnings.
Currently, each justice receives an annual salary of $298,500, while Chief Justice John Roberts earns $312,200.
