Andrew Harnik/AP
U.S. Capitol Police try to hold back protesters outside the east doors to the House side of the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Members of the U.S. Secret Service Counter Assault Team walk through the Rotunda as they and other federal police forces responded as violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protests inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6, 2021.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
A woman yells "CNN Sucks" towards members of the media on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, at a rally in support of President Donald Trump called the "Save America Rally."
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Members of the National Guard assist police officers in dispersing protesters who are gathering at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC.
John Minchillo/AP
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Julio Cortez/AP
Trump supporters participate in a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his baseless claims of election fraud.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
Trump supporters are seen outside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
U.S. Capitol Police stand to detain protesters outside of the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/AP
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Samuel Corum/Getty Images
Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC.
John Minchillo/AP
Trump supporters participate in a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his baseless claims of election fraud. The president is expected to address a rally on the Ellipse, just south of the White House.
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
A pro-Trump mob gathers inside the Senate chamber in the U.S. Capitol after groups stormed the building on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
U.S. Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 06, 2021, in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters interact with Capitol Police inside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
A protester sits in the Senate Chamber on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Lawmakers evacuate the floor as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
People march with those who claim they are members of the Proud Boys as they attend a rally in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in support of President Donald Trump.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Members of the U.S. Secret Service Counter Assault Team walk through the Rotunda as they and other federal police forces responded as violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.
John Minchillo/AP
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington.
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021.
Julio Cortez/AP
Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results.
John Minchillo/AP
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
U.S. Capitol Police draw their guns as protesters attempt to enter the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
People attend a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, in support of President Donald Trump.
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Riot police push back a crowd of supporters of US President Donald Trump after they stormed the Capitol building on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Members of the National Guard arrive to secure the area outside the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/AP
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they try to storm the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
Andrew Harnik/AP
A man takes a photo of broken windows near the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they try to storm the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021.
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021.
Julio Cortez/AP
Trump supporters rally on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
John Minchillo/AP
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters enter the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/AP
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
John Minchillo/AP
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
A man calls on people to raid the building as Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021.
Julio Cortez/AP
Trump supporters rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images
Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
Trump supporters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Dust and a gas mask are visible on the ground in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2021.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
Andrew Harnik/AP
A flag that reads "Treason" is visible on the ground in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
A protester supporting U.S. President Donald Trump jumps from the public gallery to the floor of the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Papers and gas masks are left behind after House of Representatives members left the floor of the House chamber as protesters try to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
President Donald Trump speaks at a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Police officers in riot gear walk towards the U.S. Capitol as protesters enter the building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump supporters gathered in the nation's capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election.
Andrew Harnik/AP
U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters enter the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2021.
John Minchillo/AP
Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Evan Vucci/AP
People watch from a tree as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
After violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol today, a tactical team with ATF gathers in the Rotunda to provide security for the continuation of the joint session of the House and Senate to count the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
John Minchillo/AP
Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
John Minchillo/AP
A woman is helped up by police during a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters enter the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump protesters have entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital.
John Minchillo/AP
Supporters of President Donald Trump stand inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Cheriss May/Getty Images
A crowd of Trump supporters gathers outside as seen from inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/AP
People run in the halls as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Win McNamee/Getty
A protester holds a Trump flag inside the U.S. Capitol Building near the Senate Chamber on Jan. 06, 2021, in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/AP
U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gunpoint near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
John Minchillo/AP
A flag hangs between broken windows after President Donald Trump supporters tried to break through police barriers outside the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Debris and personal belongings are strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours after protesters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021.
Andrew Harnik/AP
An ATF police officer cleans up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol's Rotunda on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breached security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
Julio Cortez/AP
Trump supporters participate in a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his baseless claims of election fraud. The president is expected to address a rally on the Ellipse, just south of the White House.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
A pro-Trump mob breaks into the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.
Julio Cortez/AP
Trump supporters participate in a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his baseless claims of election fraud.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
People attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces, climbing scaffolding as they try to storm the US Capitol in Washington D.C on January 6, 2021.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
U.S. Capitol Police officers walk through the Rotunda as they and other federal police forces responded as violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol today, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
Hats with Trump signs are seen as people attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/AP
U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters on the floor at gunpoint as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Julio Cortez/AP
Trump supporters arrive at a Capitol side entrance, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Andrew Harnik/AP
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Authorities stand guard outside the U.S. Capitol after supporters of President Donald Trump gathered on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol's Rotunda on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
A man with his hands bound is put into the back of a police van after being arrested on the National Mall near the Washington Monument in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
House of Representatives members leave the floor of the House chamber as protesters try to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Authorities walk toward the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Julio Cortez/AP
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington.
Evan Vucci/AP
President Donald Trump speaks during a rally protesting the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden as President on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/AP
A U.S. Capitol Police officer walks past damage in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., stops to look at the damage in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, after protesters stormed the Capitol in Washington on Wednesday.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Authorities secure the area outside the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.
Julio Cortez/AP
Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
It's not funny to undermine the Constitution.
U.S. Capitol Police try to hold back protesters outside the east doors to the House side of the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021.
Expand
Most fair-thinking people can agree that the actions of Ginni Thomas following the 2020 presidential election are reprehensible.
According to text messages published by the Washington Post and CBS News, the right-wing activist and wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas urged then-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to subvert the will of voters and assist President Trump in overturning the election results.
The content of these messages, in which Ginni Thomas sounds like a true-believer “Stop the Steal” conspiracy theorist, is disturbing, but what’s equally disquieting is how they came to public view: They were part of a tranche of messages given to the House select committee on the Jan. 6 riot.
It’s not clear whether Ginni Thomas’ missives were among the documents that Trump sued to stop the committee from obtaining, a petition denied by the Supreme Court in an unsigned order with a lone dissenter — none other than Justice Thomas. Nevertheless, Thomas let himself be put in the position of ruling on matters relating to a case in which his wife is directly implicated, one which is still very much under investigation. He should have recused himself then, and should recuse himself from any additional Supreme Court activity involving Jan. 6.
No one is saying that Clarence Thomas cannot be married to someone who is engaged in political causes. Justices have spouses, children and siblings with opinions and careers; sometimes they agree, sometimes they disagree. But, particularly at a time when the court’s legitimacy is being questioned, the burden is on a justice to, as federal law puts it, “disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” Ketanji Brown Jackson affirmed that principle when she said she would step aside from a Harvard affirmative action case because she is completing a term on the university’s board of overseers.
Presently, Ginni Thomas is working behind the scenes with many groups trying to get their cases before the high court. If Clarence refuses to recuse, the further delegitimization of the high court will be on him.
