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Gorsuch, Thomas cozy billionaire relationships reveal serious conflicts

WASHINGTON, DC — The Supreme Court will today hear two cases challenging the longstanding Chevron doctrine amidst growing calls for conflicted justices to recuse themselves.

New reporting this week highlighted the cozy, decades-long relationship between Justice Neil Gorsuch and billionaire oil baron Philip Anschutz. Justice Gorsuch, who has maintained a close personal and financial connection to billionaire oil baron Philip Anschutz, is set to rule on the landmark cases that could upend how federal agencies regulate the oil and gas industry — including Anschutz’s own energy company, the Anschutz Exploration Corporation.

Previous reporting revealed serious conflicts involving Justice Clarence Thomas’s undisclosed participation in private political fundraising retreats sponsored by the Kochs. Justice Thomas’s presence served as a fundraising draw for the expansive network that has brought countless cases directly before the Supreme Court, including Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo set to be heard today.

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Not only would overturning Chevron deference strip power from federal agencies, harming their ability to serve everyday Americans — but it would benefit justices’ billionaire buddies. This is just the latest in a long pattern of cozy relationships between Supreme Court justices and billionaires creating conflicts that undermine the legitimacy of the court."

Accountable.US president Caroline Ciccone

“It’s far past time for these justices to stop putting their wealthy pals over Americans. Recusal from cases where they have glaring conflicts of interest is the very least they can do to restore some semblance of credibility and integrity to our Supreme Court,” Ciccone added.

Ahead of the term, Accountable.US led over 40 watchdog and accountability groups in sending a letter to Chief Justice John Roberts demanding he ensure conflicted justices recuse themselves from key cases.

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