Comedian John Oliver has extended a unique offer to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, proposing $1 million annually and a luxury motor coach for his resignation.
This bold proposition, deemed “somehow legal” by Oliver, unfolded during the 11th-season premiere of Last Week Tonight on HBO.
Throughout the episode, Oliver humorously critiqued the perceived corruption within the Supreme Court, fueled by recent investigations, notably by ProPublica. These inquiries shed light on the lavish lifestyles enjoyed by conservative justices, courtesy of support from right-wing billionaires, some with vested interests in cases under the court’s scrutiny.
Justice Clarence Thomas is not the sole recipient of gifts within the Supreme Court. Justice Samuel Alito, for instance, indulged in a luxurious trip to an Alaskan fishing lodge alongside a controversial hedge fund executive, enjoying opulent feasts and expensive wines. Alito allegedly failed to disclose this excursion, including the private jet travel provided.
However, as John Oliver highlighted, Thomas stands out for his acceptance of extravagant perks, travel, and entertainment from billionaire benefactors.
These include numerous destination vacations, private jet flights, and VIP passes to sporting events. Many of these gifts reportedly went undisclosed on annual filings, with Thomas considering them personal gestures among acquaintances.
Additionally, Thomas gained notoriety for owning a 40-foot motorcoach, resembling a luxury RV. Rather than buying it outright, he purportedly acquired it through a loan from another affluent supporter, who eventually forgave the debt, essentially gifting the RV to Thomas. Oliver humorously quipped,
“Honestly, it’s starting to feel like Thomas doesn’t so much have friends, so much as human ATMs.”
During the segment, the HBO host pondered the possibility of Justice Thomas indulging in the luxurious lifestyle he seemingly desires, without the obligation of advancing billionaire interests on the Supreme Court.
John Oliver then made a tongue-in-cheek proposal directly to Thomas, offering him $1 million annually for life, on the condition that he resign from the Supreme Court promptly and refrain from returning.
In a bold move, Oliver presented a legal contract, emphatically stating,
“This is not a joke! A million dollars a year until you — or I — die.”
He asserted that legal experts confirmed the offer’s legality within the court’s ethics framework, albeit seemingly illicit. Oliver clarified that HBO was not funding the offer, personally guaranteeing the sum.
Thomas now faces a 30-day ultimatum to decide. To sweeten the deal, Oliver dangled a luxurious incentive: a $2.4 million motorcoach equipped with lavish amenities, including a king bed, multiple bathrooms, a fireplace, four TVs, and a residential-sized fridge. The terms were straightforward, as the comedian put it,
“All you have to do in return is sign the contract and get off the Supreme Court.”
Attempting to assuage Thomas’s concerns, Oliver reassured him that his billionaire acquaintances would remain loyal even if he accepted the offer and resigned.
Oliver expressed confidence that Thomas’s wealthy friends would continue to extend their lavish hospitality, emphasizing the enduring nature of true friendship. He quipped,
“That’s the beauty of friendship, Clarence. If they’re real friends, they’ll love you no matter what your job is.”