This is Part 5 of a Pulitzer-winning ongoing series exploring the financial scandal surrounding the Supreme Court. For the other parts, or to discuss the series as a whole, click here.

During his three decades on the Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas has enjoyed steady access to a lifestyle most Americans can only imagine. A cadre of industry titans and ultrawealthy executives have treated him to far-flung vacations aboard their yachts, ushered him into the premium suites at sporting events and sent their private jets to fetch him — including, on more than one occasion, an entire 737. It’s a stream of luxury that is both more extensive and from a wider circle than has been previously understood.

Like clockwork, Thomas’ leisure activities have been underwritten by benefactors who share the ideology that drives his jurisprudence. Their gifts include:

• At least 38 destination vacations, including a previously unreported voyage on a yacht around the Bahamas;
• 26 private jet flights, plus an additional eight by helicopter;
• A dozen VIP passes to professional and college sporting events, typically perched in the skybox;
• Two stays at luxury resorts in Florida and Jamaica;
• One standing invitation to an uber-exclusive golf club overlooking the Atlantic coast.

Archive link: https://archive.ph/nRP9U