Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is under fire after reports emerged that he flew an upside-down American flag and a "Christian nation" flag outside his home following the January 6th Capitol riot. Media pundits and Democratic lawmakers have called for his recusal from cases related to former President Trump, citing concerns over his impartiality.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is facing intense scrutiny and demands to recuse himself from cases related to former President Trump after reports emerged that he flew an upside-down American flag and a controversial "Appeal to Heaven" flag outside his home in the weeks following the January 6th Capitol riot.
Media pundits have expressed outrage over Alito's actions, with MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell arguing that the upside-down flag was a "signal" from the Supreme Court to lower courts to tolerate misconduct. An upside-down American flag is often used by supporters of Trump who falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen.
Late-night host Stephen Colbert compared Alito to a Nazi, suggesting that flying an insurrection flag was an inappropriate response to perceived insults. MSNBC's Molly Jong Fast criticized Alito for owning a beach house and flying a flag that symbolizes a desire for a Christian nation. Joy Reid labeled Alito a "lawless individual" and a "clear Christian nationalist."
CNN's Norm Eisen called for an investigation into Alito's actions, arguing that he is supposed to recuse himself if there is even a "reasonable basis to question" his impartiality. Michelle Goldberg of the New York Times questioned Alito's ability to remain impartial in cases related to causes he supports so strongly.
Mark Joseph Stern of Slate compared Alito's behavior to the British monarchy, which relies on an image of integrity and decency. He expressed concern that Alito was damaging this perception and that justices cannot be voted out of their positions.
MSNBC host Alex Wagner suggested that Alito's actions were intentional, and Jodi Kantor, the New York Times reporter who broke the story, said Alito's neighbors were shocked by the flag display.
Several Democratic lawmakers have joined the chorus of criticism, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demanding an investigation by the Senate. The co-hosts of "The View" expressed concerns about the Supreme Court's ethics and called for an end to lifetime appointments.
John Bolton, a former National Security Adviser to Donald Trump, defended Alito, arguing that the flag controversy was only an issue for liberals and that he did not view it as a symbol of support for the insurrection.
The Supreme Court has not yet commented on the controversy.
