Justice Alito Refuses Recusal from Jan. 6, 2020 Election Cases Amid Flag Controversies Involving Wife

May 29, 2024, 06:05 PM

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has refused to recuse himself from cases related to the January 6 Capitol riot and the 2020 election, despite calls from Democratic lawmakers. The controversy stems from flags associated with far-right causes being flown at his homes in Virginia and New Jersey. Alito attributed the flags to his wife, Martha-Ann Alito, stating that she was responsible for flying the upside-down American flag and an 'Appeal to Heaven' flag at their beach house. Alito insisted that he had no involvement in the decision to display the flags and emphasized his duty to remain impartial. Judge Michael Ponsor publicly criticized Alito's actions in an op-ed in the New York Times, calling them 'improper' and 'dumb.' Former President Donald Trump praised Alito for his decision not to recuse himself, highlighting his 'courage' and 'guts.' The controversy also involved clashes with neighbors, and Alito addressed the issue in a letter to Senate Democrats.