Justice Clarence Thomas reportedly considered resigning from the Supreme Court over his “low salary,” in the 2000s. At the time, Justice Thomas earned $173,600, according to new report by Pro Publica. Prior to accepting significant gifts, Thomas approached a Republican lawmaker and told him that if Congress didn’t increase justices’ salaries soon, “one or more justices” might leave the court. This raised concerns among Republicans about the potential departure of Justice Thomas, a crucial conservative vote.
The report indicates that Thomas and his wife, Ginni, faced financial challenges, borrowing money in the first decade of his tenure. The report reveals that in 2000, the Thomases were in significant debt, and their financial situation became more challenging after taking in Justice Thomas’ grandnephew.
Following the conversation, the lawmaker, former representative Cliff Sterns, expressed intention to explore legislation to raise justices’ salaries, citing the importance of proper constitutional interpretation.
While Congress never enacted such legislation, Thomas later received lavish gifts from wealthy GOP donors. Additionally, Thomas advocated for the removal of a ban on justices making paid speeches, but the proposal did not pass. Over the years, he developed close relationships with wealthy individuals who provided financial support, including Earl Dixon and Harlan Crow.
Two years after his conversation with Sterns, Justice Thomas accepted a $1.5 million advance for his memoir. His wife, Ginni, started earning a “six-figure” salary with the Heritage Foundation. In 2019, when questioned about justices’ salaries, Justice Thomas stated they were “plenty” and that he and his wife were “doing fine.”
