Thomas’ friend defends against Democratic investigation of finances.

Longtime Friend of Justice Clarence Thomas Rejects Senate Democrats’ Request for Financial Documents

Harlan Crow, a close friend of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, has refused a request from Senate Democrats for financial documents related to his relationship with the justice. Crow’s attorney, Michael Bopp, sent a response letter to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, stating that the request lacked a proper legal basis and was an attempt to tarnish the reputation of both Crow and Thomas.

A Campaign Against Justice Thomas and Mr. Crow?

Bopp’s letter also accused the committee of showing no interest in evaluating federal gift tax laws until the media reports regarding Crow’s friendship with Thomas. He added that the inquiry appeared to be part of a broader campaign against Justice Thomas and Mr. Crow, rather than an investigation that furthers a valid legislative purpose.

Crow and Thomas have been friends for over 20 years, vacationing together in places such as Indonesia and Greece. Crow also bought Thomas’ childhood home with the intention of turning it into a memorial or museum for the second black Supreme Court justice in U.S. history. Thomas took a loss on the sale, and the gifts were not reported on his financial disclosures to the Supreme Court because they were not required under the court’s ethics rules.

Wyden Accuses Crow of Stonewalling

Wyden accused Crow of stonewalling in response to Bopp’s letter. He stated that nobody can expect to get away with waving off Finance Committee oversight, no matter how wealthy or well-connected they may be. Wyden also rejected Bopp’s assertion that the Finance Committee lacks a legislative basis for an investigation of the abuse of gift taxes by the wealthy.

Fourteen Senate Republicans wrote a letter to Wyden on Monday, condemning the Democrat’s investigation into Thomas, Crow, and their relationship. The senators accused the Democrat of trying to intimidate the Supreme Court and criticized attempts to withhold $10 million in security funding for the Court.

Key Takeaways:

• Harlan Crow, a longtime friend of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, has rejected a request from Senate Democrats for financial documents regarding Crow’s relationship with the justice.
• Crow’s attorney, Michael Bopp, sent a response letter to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), stating that the request lacked a proper legal basis and was an attempt to tarnish the reputation of both Crow and Thomas.
• Wyden accused Crow of stonewalling in response to Bopp’s letter.
• Fourteen Senate Republicans wrote a letter to Wyden on Monday, condemning the Democrat’s investigation into Thomas, Crow, and their relationship.

It remains to be seen how this investigation will play out, but it is clear that both sides are digging in for a fight.