Justice Alito’s Cozy Relationship With Far-Right German Princess Underscores Need For Reform To Restore The Supreme Court’s Legitimacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 22, 2024
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Washington DC – Today, new reporting from the New York Times revealed details of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s cozy relationship with Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis of Germany, a conservative anti-abortion and anti-immigration activist with ties to the European far right. Alito’s relationship with Princess Gloria was revealed earlier this year when Justice Alito disclosed $900 concert tickets as a gift from the princess on his financial disclosure form.
The article quotes Princess Gloria as saying: “The only thing that I care about in politics is that somebody is fighting abortion and helping reproduction rates go up.”
The article goes on to list some of Princess Gloria’s other influential friends, including far-right German politician Maximilian Krah and Trump ally Steve Bannon, who once suggested she use her palace as a “gladiator school” for conservative European nationalist leaders. She admits that she would be “thrilled to befriend other justices,” and that Justice Thomas is at the top of her list.
In response, Demand Justice Managing Director Maggie Jo Buchanan said the following:
“The unethical behavior of MAGA members of the Supreme Court is so flagrant at this point that far-right German princesses are well aware that those justices are up for sale. Congress must step in to check this out-of-control Court and its members who are literally acting as if they are unaccountable royals themselves.”
Reform is overdue and critical for the future of our democracy. Over the past several years, the Supreme Court has dismantled the right to an abortion and put women and girls in tragic situations across the country neutered gun control legislation, and hampered public servants’ ability to keep our communities safe and secure. They have given presidents immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts, making them kings above the rule of law – and they show no signs of slowing down. Coupled with the numerous ethics scandals currently plaguing the Court – from Clarence Thomas receiving lavish gifts and vacations from wealthy conservative donors and a flag symbolizing the Stop the Steal movement flying outside of Samuel Alito’s house – it’s no wonder Americans’ faith in the judicial system remains at historic lows.
Reform is critical. Congress must act.
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