Official statements from the Senate or the Supreme Court

Chief Justice Roberts Declines Meeting with Senate Democrats Over Alito Recusal and Ethics Concerns

May 30, 2024, 06:26 PM

Chief Justice John Roberts has declined a request from Senate Democrats, including Senators Dick Durbin and Sheldon Whitehouse, to meet and discuss concerns over Justice Samuel Alito's ethics and calls for his recusal. Roberts cited separation of powers concerns and the importance of preserving judicial independence as reasons for his refusal, stating that such a meeting would be inadvisable. This decision follows a similar stance Roberts took last April when he also declined an invitation from Senate Democrats. The meeting request was partly driven by provocative flags raised at Alito’s properties and broader ethics questions surrounding Justices Alito and Thomas.