Internet divided as senators urge DOJ to appoint special counsel to investigate Justice Clarence Thomas

WASHINGTON, DC: Two Democratic senators have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special counsel to investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for possible tax law violations.

Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore) wrote a letter to Garland requesting the investigation.

Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden seek Special Counsel

The lawmakers' call for action follows reports that Thomas failed to disclose multiple luxury trips and gifts from billionaire friends over the past year.

In their letter to Garland, Whitehouse and Wyden outlined their concerns regarding Thomas's financial disclosures.

They highlighted the "breadth of the omissions uncovered to date" and the potential for "additional tax fraud and false statement violations" by Justice Thomas and his associates.

"The breadth of the omissions uncovered to date, and the serious possibility of additional tax fraud and false statement violations by Justice Thomas and his associates, warrant the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate this misconduct,” the lawmakers wrote, according to The Hill 

The senators also pointed to an investigation by Wyden’s office last year which found that Thomas did not repay the principal of a $267,230 loan used to purchase a motorcoach.

The investigation suggested the loan was forgiven, raising questions about whether Thomas reported the apparent forgiveness on his tax returns.

Senators say they did 'not make this request lightly'

Whitehouse and Wyden noted they did “not make this request lightly.” They explained how Thomas failed to pay income taxes.

“Justice Thomas failed to clarify whether or why he failed to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in forgiven debt on his federal income tax returns and pay the income taxes owed," the letter said.

"No government official should be above the law," Whitehouse posted on X.

"The American people deserve a comprehensive investigation into the potential violations of ethics and tax laws by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Senator @RonWyden and I sent a letter to AG Garland making the case," the post added. 

"We submit that the facts we have developed, combined with strategically evasive answers, create predication for further investigation by relevant authorities,” the letter added, according to The Hill. 

"The evidence assembled thus far plainly suggests that Justice Thomas has committed numerous willful violations of federal ethics and false-statement laws and raises significant questions about whether he and his wealthy benefactors have complied with their federal tax obligations,” they wrote.

“Presented with opportunities to resolve questions about his conduct, Justice Thomas has maintained a suspicious silence,” they continued.

Internet reacts as Democratic senators seek special counsel to investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence

The call for an investigation has sparked a range of reactions on social media.

One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, criticized the senators, writing, "These people are down right dirty!"

Another user expressed skepticism about the likelihood of an investigation, saying, "Spoiler alert: They won't," suggesting the Department of Justice is too casual about such matters.

Others voiced their frustration with the perceived double standards in the justice system. One person commented, "And his trial will take place in the year 2075! God forbid it’s a normal citizen! Power hungry fucking tools."

The online discussion also drew comparisons to other political figures. "Bidens remain unscathed, 10% to Big Guy," one user wrote, referencing allegations against President Joe Biden's family.

"I’m genuinely curious. Is there nothing u guys can do besides making a referral to the Justice dept to investigate Thomas? How abt Alito? what if Garland refuse to investigate? What then?" asked one commenter.

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