Official statements from the Supreme Court or credible news outlets

Democrats Call for Justice Alito's Recusal Over Upside-Down Flag Incident

May 19, 2024, 03:05 PM

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is facing significant backlash after it was revealed that an upside-down American flag, a symbol associated with the 'Stop the Steal' movement, was flown outside his home in January 2021. The flag incident, which occurred eleven days after the January 6th Capitol riot, has prompted calls from various Democratic leaders and legal analysts for Alito to recuse himself from cases related to the 2020 election and the insurrection. Critics argue that the flag display demonstrates a conflict of interest and raises questions about Alito's impartiality and ethics. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin has called for Alito to be subpoenaed to explain the incident. The White House, while not directly commenting on the controversy, reiterated President Joe Biden's belief in the sanctity of the American flag. Alito's defenders claim the flag was flown by his wife in response to a dispute with neighbors and not as a political statement. Democrats have rebuked Alito and are calling for his recusal. The controversy has further fueled debates over the ethical conduct of Supreme Court justices and the need for reforms to restore public trust in the judiciary.