Sheldon Whitehouse’s past of targeting justices back in spotlight as he faces ethics complaint
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-RI, is facing scrutiny over a new ethics complaint that alleges his votes resulted in millions of dollars for a green nonprofit that pays his wife’s consulting firm. This comes after Whitehouse led a campaign accusing conservative Supreme Court justices of ethical violations, particularly targeting Justice Clarence Thomas.
Whitehouse has been a vocal advocate for judicial ethics, calling for increased transparency and accountability among Supreme Court justices. He criticized Thomas for undisclosed trips and gifts from GOP donors, questioning whether they violated the law. Despite Whitehouse’s efforts, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics previously determined that the senator’s actions did not violate federal laws or Senate rules.
The latest ethics complaint against Whitehouse, filed by the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), has drawn attention for its irony given Whitehouse’s history of holding conservative justices accountable for ethical lapses. Critics have pointed out the hypocrisy of Whitehouse facing similar allegations to those he has raised against others.
In the past, Whitehouse targeted Justice Samuel Alito for alleged ethical misconduct, including incidents involving flags outside Alito’s home. Whitehouse called for a code of conduct for the Supreme Court, arguing that the legislature should regulate the court. However, Alito and others have pushed back, asserting that the Constitution does not grant authority for such regulation.
Most recently, Whitehouse criticized Alito for a phone call with former President Trump regarding a former clerk’s potential role in the administration. Whitehouse raised concerns about potential violations of the Supreme Court’s code of conduct and federal law, calling for a neutral fact-finding process when a justice’s conduct is questioned.
Despite Whitehouse’s efforts to hold conservative justices accountable for ethical lapses, critics have questioned the senator’s own actions and motives. The ongoing debate over judicial ethics and accountability underscores the challenges of ensuring transparency and integrity within the highest levels of the judiciary.
Julia Johnson is a politics writer covering the U.S. Senate for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She previously worked as a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner. Follow Julia on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.
