Internet calls out Biden's 'hypocrisy' after he says Justice Clarence Thomas spends lot of time on yachts

WASHINGTON, DC: In an eyebrow-raising interview published on Monday, March 4, President Joe Biden took aim at Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, characterizing him as "the guy who likes to spend a lot of time on yachts."

The President's comments came amid discussions about the potential for the conservative majority on the Supreme Court to revisit past precedents, particularly in the wake of the overturning of Roe v Wade in June 2022.

Joe Biden mocks Justice Clarence Thomas

Justice Thomas, in his concurring opinion on the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, suggested the reconsideration of precedents concerning contraception, same-sex marriage, and decriminalization of homosexuality.

“Because any substantive due process decision is "demonstrably erroneous," we have a duty to "correct the error" established in those precedents,” Thomas wrote at the time.

In an interview with The New Yorker, President Biden dismissed the notion of revisiting these precedents, saying, “I don’t think there’s a majority to go there."

Instead, he shifted the conversation to the alleged close relationship with billionaire GOP donor Harlan Crow. "I think that a couple on the Court would go considerably further," Biden said, specifically, "the guy who likes to spend a lot of time on yachts."

The tension between Biden and Thomas dates back to 1991 when Biden, then serving as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted against Thomas's confirmation to the Supreme Court following allegations of sexual harassment by Anita Hill.

Despite the controversy, Thomas was narrowly confirmed by the Senate in a 52-48 vote, becoming the second African American to serve on the high court.

Recent reports have raised questions about Thomas's disclosure practices regarding trips taken with Crow, with some estimating the value of these excursions to exceed $500,000.

Thomas defended himself, stating that he sought guidance early in his tenure and followed the advice that such personal hospitality from close friends did not require disclosure.

“Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable,” he said in a statement at the time.

“I have endeavored to follow that counsel throughout my tenure, and have always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines," the justice added.

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee initiated an investigation into Thomas's relationship with Crow but have yet to subpoena Crow for testimony, the New York Post reported.

Internet slams Joe Biden for calling out Justice Clarence Thomas

The issue sparked controversy on social media, with many pushing back against Biden's description of Thomas as “the guy who likes to spend a lot of time on yachts."

"Says the dude always on vacation," one posted on X.

"Biden has spent nearly half his time in the white house on vacation," another wrote.

"Memory so bad he forgot he the guy who spends most of his presidency on vacation," a comment read.

"Was Clarence walking away with as much cash as Hunter?" someone else asked.

"Okay, Big Guy," another quipped, referring to the president's alleged moniker in his son's leaked emails.

One person mocked, "Hypocrite!"

Supreme Court's guidelines for disclosure of reimbursements for travel 

In response to ethical concerns, the Supreme Court adopted its first-ever ethics code in November, outlining guidelines for disclosure of reimbursements for travel and other expenses. However, Justice Alito has argued that Congress lacks the authority to impose such rules on the Supreme Court.

Senator Dick Durbin, who chairs the Judiciary Committee, has suggested that Thomas's connections could constitute conflicts of interest and warrant recusal from cases involving former President Trump, particularly his appeal concerning the 2020 election.

Thomas's wife, Virginia Thomas, a conservative activist, attended the Stop the Steal rally on January 6, 2021, and reportedly pressured then-chief of staff Mark Meadows to challenge the election results.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Trump's appeal on April 22.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.