U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is accusing Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito of corruption after it was revealed that Alito had secretly discussed a legal case with President-elect Donald Trump while Trump was seeking to delay his felony sentencing in New York.
Blumenthal, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, called Alito’s actions “brazen” and said the justice’s disregard for ethical rules has become a disturbing norm. “Alito has made impropriety standard practice,” Blumenthal wrote on social media.
The Connecticut senator emphasized that Alito’s secret call with Trump—while Trump was dealing with a legal issue that could eventually reach the Supreme Court—was no surprise, given ongoing criticism of Alito’s conduct. Blumenthal stressed that this phone call further proves the justice’s lack of impartiality.
“This inexcusable call w/ Trump certainly should compel recusal, disqualifying him from this case & much more. The Court’s current supposed ethical standards are an unenforceable sham,” Blumenthal wrote on X.
Alito confirmed the call with Trump on Wednesday but insisted that they did not discuss Trump’s emergency filing to block his sentencing in New York. Alito explained that the conversation was about Trump’s qualifications for a government position, not his ongoing legal battles. However, he did not deny that his discussion with Trump took place while Trump’s legal team was pushing for the Supreme Court to delay his sentencing.
Trump’s legal team argued that the sentencing should be put on hold while he continues to appeal rulings about his potential punishment. Trump’s lawyers also claimed the delay was necessary as Trump prepared for his presidential duties, emphasizing national security concerns.
Alito’s call with Trump follows growing concerns about his ethical standards. In addition to his controversial conduct on the bench, Alito’s wife has faced scrutiny for displaying flags associated with the January 6 Capitol riot, adding fuel to accusations of bias.
With the recent revelations, Senate Democrats are calling for Alito to recuse himself from any cases involving Trump, fearing that his close ties to the president-elect are undermining the integrity of the Supreme Court.
