☰
HomeLiving Beyond BordersGZERO WorldSignalIn 60 SecondsPuppet RegimeGZERO World PodcastContact UsAbout UsCareersPrivacy PolicyTerms

Bharara: Clarence Thomas' donor trips may not be illegal, but not a good look

April 12, 2023
GZERO Staff
Clarence Thomas non-disclosure broke no rules, but optics aren't good | GZERO World

youtu.be

US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has come under fire for failing to disclose taking luxury trips paid for by a billionaire Republican donor. How big of a problem is this for him, SCOTUS, and the judiciary?

Preet Preet Bharara, former US attorney for the Southern District of New York, says that Thomas probably didn't violate any actual rule related to conflicts of interest. But the optics are bad — especially coming on the heels of his wife's involvement with the Jan. 6 insurrectionists. "At a time when confidence and trust in the integrity of the court is low, it's not a great thing to do," Bhararara tells Ian Bremmer on GZERO World.

To be sure, there's no evidence that the gifts influenced how Thomas ruled on cases. After all, the ex-prosecutor says he's a "dyed-in-the-wool conservative."

Still, Preet Bharara thinks he should have disclosed the gifts. If he didn't, it's likely because Thomas knew how bad it would look.

From Your Site Articles

More from GZERO Media

Government shutdown and trade tensions test US economy

- YouTube

youtu.be

As the US economy continues to defy expectations, Eurasia Group Managing Director of Global Macro Robert Kahn says the key question is whether a slowdown has been avoided or merely delayed. “The headline here is the impressive resilience of the US, maybe also the global economy over the last six months,” Kahn tells GZERO Media’s Tony Maciulis on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank–IMF Annual Meetings.

Puppet Regime Merch is HERE

- YouTube

youtu.be

Yes, this is real. Puppet Regime Ministry of Merchandise is now OPEN. Head to www.shop.puppetregime.tv to show everyone on the bloc that you support The Regime VERY STRONGLY. #PUPPETREGIME

Can a former UK prime minister manage Gaza?

Former UK prime minister Tony Blair and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi attend the world leaders' summit on ending the Gaza war, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 13, 2025.

Egyptian Presidency/Handout via REUTERS

At first glance, it might seem odd that Tony Blair is leading the Western proposal for the future of Gaza.

Egypt's path to economic stability with Rania Al-Mashat

- YouTube

youtu.be

As a landmark Gaza ceasefire reshapes Middle East stability, what does it mean for Egypt’s growth outlook? Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat tells GZERO’s Tony Maciulis the deal is “a monumental moment” and durable.

Axel van Trotsenburg reflects on his 37-year career at the World Bank

- YouTube

youtu.be

As the global economy faces uncertainty, Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank, warns that “a wait-and-see attitude” is holding back investment and growth, especially in developing countries. Speaking with GZERO Media’s Tony Maciulis on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings, van Trotsenburg highlights human capital and infrastructure as key priorities, with a growing urgency to bridge both the digital and AI divides.

About UsCareers PressContact Us Privacy PolicyTerms of Use
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.