Sep 21, 2025
Samuel Alito, known for reliable votes supporting right-wing and executive power positions, has been scrutinized over undisclosed trips and connections to conservative advocacy groups (as well as flag controversies involving his household). He is statistically the court’s most conservative justice. [1]
Justice Clarence Thomas is extremely conservative, nearly always aligns with Alito and is a frequent leader of the most partisan bloc. His repeated headlines about unreported gifts, luxury trips, and financial benefits from conservative donors have raised major ethical concerns in 2024 and 2025, with Senate hearings and investigative journalism coverage. [2]
Neil Gorsuch often aligns with the conservative bloc of Thomas and Alito on key issues. Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett are also conservative but are perceived as somewhat more moderate. John Roberts, the Chief Justice, has shifted right but remains the likely conservative swing vote, occasionally siding with liberals in close cases.
By contrast, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson are seen as left-leaning but have mostly stayed out of major ethics controversies. Their dissenting opinions align with Democratic views.
The combination of ethical concerns and partisan leanings fuels distrust and threatens the Court’s role as a fair, impartial guardian of democracy. The consequences of this erosion are felt by everyday Americans in their rights, protections, and faith in government institutions.
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