Media analysis reports and public opinion surveys

Washington Post Knew About Upside-Down Flag at Alito’s Virginia Home Since Biden’s Inauguration

May 25, 2024, 07:02 PM

The Washington Post has revealed that it knew about an upside-down American flag flown outside Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s Virginia home in January 2021 but chose not to report it at the time. The flag, which has historical ties to the Revolutionary War, has recently been linked to Christian nationalism and the January 6 Capitol riot. Martha-Ann Alito, the justice’s wife, claimed the flag was a signal of distress in response to a neighborhood dispute. A WaPo reporter visited the Alito residence on Biden’s inauguration day and had a tense encounter with the couple. The New York Times highlighted the flag's presence, sparking renewed controversy and calls from Democratic lawmakers for Alito to recuse himself from cases related to the 2020 election and January 6. Chief Justice Roberts is also facing pressure to address the Supreme Court’s ethics code. Critics argue that the media's portrayal of the flag as provocative is a coordinated effort to undermine Alito, while supporters defend the flag's historical significance. The incident has intensified debates over Supreme Court ethics and the role of the media in shaping public perception.