Chief Justice John Roberts refuses to meet with Democratic lawmakers regarding ethics controversy and Alito’s flags

Chief Justice John Roberts has declined a meeting request from Democratic lawmakers regarding two controversial flags displayed at Justice Samuel Alito’s properties. In a letter released by the Supreme Court, Roberts cited concerns about the separation of powers and the importance of preserving judicial independence as reasons for rejecting the meeting.

The flags in question include an upside-down American flag, a symbol associated with former President Donald Trump’s false claims of election fraud, and an “Appeal to Heaven” flag. Justice Alito explained that his wife, Martha-Ann Alito, was solely responsible for hoisting the flags in response to a neighborhood dispute and was not aware of their modern political meanings.

Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, had demanded Alito’s recusal in cases related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. They also sought a meeting with Chief Justice Roberts to address what they called the Supreme Court’s ethics crisis.

In his response, Roberts expressed his belief that participating in a meeting with lawmakers from only one party who have expressed interest in pending court matters would be inadvisable. The Supreme Court is currently considering appeals related to the 2020 election and the Capitol attack, including Trump’s claim of immunity from election subversion charges and a challenge to an obstruction charge filed against a January 6 rioter.

Durbin and Whitehouse have not yet responded to requests for comment on Roberts’ decision. The story continues to develop as more details emerge.