Investigative reporter Jodi Kantor discusses controversial upside-down American flag at Justice Alito's home post-January 6th, raising concerns on impartiality. Second 'Appeal to Heaven' flag displays add to speculation on judicial ethics and political influences.
The presence of an upside-down American flag at Justice Alito's home raised concerns about his impartiality and stance on post-election events.
The unveiling of an 'Appeal to Heaven' flag at Justice Alito's beach house sparked debates on religious liberty and the alignment with partisan ideologies.
Deep dives
Justice Alito's Display of Symbols Raises Controversy
Justice Samuel Alito's display of an upside-down American flag, a symbol associated with the Stop the Steal campaign and the Capitol riot, outside his home in Virginia sparked controversy. The flag, known historically as a symbol of distress and protest, took on new meaning post-2020 election. The unveiling of this flag raised questions about Justice Alito's stance on the events of January 6th and his impartiality in related cases, given his conservative beliefs and prior judicial decisions.
Second Flag Unveiled at Alito's Beach House
A second flag was reported at Justice Alito's beach house, displaying the words 'Appeal to Heaven,' a symbol associated with the Stop the Steal movement and far-right evangelical groups. This flag, highlighting the issues of religious liberty and conservative values, was linked to the belief that the election was stolen. The presence of this flag, lasting over two years post-January 6th, added to concerns about Justice Alito's alignment with partisan ideologies.
Call for Recusal Amidst Ethical Concerns
The revelation of these flags at Justice Alito's residences led to calls for his recusal in cases related to the January 6th insurrection and former President Trump. Critics highlighted the ethical implications of a Supreme Court Justice displaying such partisan symbols, raising questions about impartiality and adherence to judicial ethics. The flags' presence highlighted the blurred lines between personal beliefs and judicial responsibilities, prompting a debate on the political nature of Supreme Court justices and the need for accountability within the judiciary.
The discovery that an upside-down American flag — a symbol adopted by the campaign to overturn the 2020 election result — had flown at the home of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. elicited concerns from politicians, legal scholars and others. And then came news of a second flag.
Jodi Kantor, the Times reporter who broke the stories, discusses the saga.
Guest: Jodi Kantor, an investigative reporter for The New York Times.
Background reading:
An upside-down American flag, a symbol adopted by Trump supporters contesting the Biden victory, flew over the justice’s front lawn as the Supreme Court was considering an election case.
The justice’s beach house displayed an “Appeal to Heaven” flag, a design carried on Jan. 6 and associated with a push for a more Christian-minded government.
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