In a recent episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the comedian made a surprising offer to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. John Oliver proposed a deal worth $1 million per year if Thomas would choose to resign from his position on the Supreme Court immediately. And he was not joking while offering this.
The talk show host also criticized Thomas’ controversial vote in 2022, where he played a key role in overturning Roe v. Wade, a significant decision that had previously protected the right to abortion. Oliver expressed his dissatisfaction with Thomas’ stance on this matter and used his platform to voice criticism.
John Oliver Offers Clarence Thomas $1 Million Per Year to Resign from Supreme Court
John Oliver, host of the satirical news show Last Week Tonight, made a bold move by publicly offering Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas $1 million a year to resign. The comedian’s bit was first highlighted by Mediate.
In his comedic plea, Oliver highlighted the various responsibilities and controversies surrounding Thomas, including issues related to women’s rights and the handling of January 6th cases. He suggested that Thomas should step down to avoid further complications and offered a financial incentive.
“Lot on your plate right now. From stripping away women’s rights to hearing January 6th cases, you definitely shouldn’t be hearing to potentially helping rollback decades of federal regulations,” he said.
John Oliver offered Justice Clarence Thomas $1 Million a year and a $2.4 million motor-coach to stepdown from the Supreme Court. I mean it sounds like a mockery, but no more than Thomas already mocks judicial decorum, impartiality & legitimacy.@LastWeekTonight @iamjohnoliver pic.twitter.com/kokDtQ7GYr
— Doug Winfield 🪩 (@d2k) February 19, 2024
“So that’s the offer. $1 million a year, Clarence. And a brand new condo on wheels. And all you have to do in return is sign the contract and get the f*ck off the Supreme Court,” Oliver added.
“Talk it over with your totally best friend in the whole world. Because the clock starts now. Thirty days, Clarence … Let’s do this!”
Oliver clarified that the offer, although made in a comedic manner, is “somehow legal,” and he asserted that HBO, the network airing his show, is not contributing to the proposed amount. Instead, Oliver emphasized that he would personally fund the offer.
Why the Supreme Court Justice Has Come Under Scrutiny?
The actions of Supreme Court Justice Thomas have been closely examined by media and ethics watchdogs in recent months, particularly following revelations from ProPublica. The report exposed Thomas for failing to disclose lavish trips and other benefits received from conservative billionaire Harlan Crow.
The Justice responded to the widespread criticism in April, stating that he had sought guidance from fellow judges earlier in his tenure and was advised that such gifts from close friends without business before the court did not require disclosure.
“Early in my tenure at the court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary, and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the court, was not reportable,” Thomas said at the time.
“I have endeavored to follow that counsel throughout my tenure, and have always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines,” he added. (Via USA Today)
Adding to the complexity, a 2001 speech resurfaced where Justice Thomas reportedly downplayed the financial aspect of his role, mentioning the job’s value being in upholding principles rather than the salary.
“The job is not worth doing for the grief. But it is worth doing for the principle,” he said to the New York Post.
Notably, Supreme Court justices enjoy lifetime appointments with an annual salary of $298,500. Both Thomas and the Supreme Court refrained from making public comments on Oliver’s proposal.
