After almost a decade on the court, Thomas had grown frustrated with his financial situation, according to friends. He had recently started raising his young grandnephew, and Thomas’ wife was soliciting advice on how to handle the new expenses. The month before, the justice had borrowed $267,000 from a friend to buy a high-end RV.

At the resort, Thomas gave a speech at an off-the-record conservative conference. He found himself seated next to a Republican member of Congress on the flight home. The two men talked, and the lawmaker left the conversation worried that Thomas might resign.

Congress should give Supreme Court justices a pay raise, Thomas told him. If lawmakers didn’t act, “one or more justices will leave soon” — maybe in the next year.

At the time, Thomas’ salary was $173,600, equivalent to over $300,000 today. But he was one of the least wealthy members of the court, and on multiple occasions in that period, he pushed for ways to make more money. In other private conversations, Thomas repeatedly talked about removing a ban on justices giving paid speeches.

  • Melllvar
    link
    fedilink
    English
    63
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    The month before, the justice had borrowed $267,000 from a friend to buy a high-end RV.

    Just cut back on the avocado toast.

    • @roofuskit
      link
      131 year ago

      “Borrowed” money he never repaid and was never expected to be repaid.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        31 year ago

        It seems like at the time maybe he expected to have to repay it but under very generous loan terms. But, once he started complaining about money and threatening to quit, somehow the loan was forgiven.