Justice Alito Faces Scrutiny Over Call With Trump Before Sentencing Appeal

The phone call, reportedly about a job candidate, raises ethical concerns about impartiality and conflicts of interest.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito confirmed he spoke with President-elect Donald Trump just hours before Trump’s legal team petitioned the court to halt his criminal sentencing.
Alito stated the conversation was solely about William Levi, a former clerk of Alito’s under consideration for a position in Trump’s administration, though the timing has raised questions about propriety.
Critics, including Rep. Jamie Raskin, argue that Alito’s actions demonstrate a disregard for judicial ethics and the need to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
The call has fueled broader concerns about the Supreme Court’s lack of enforceable ethical standards, as Alito has previously faced criticism for unreported gifts and ties to influential figures.
Trump’s selection process for his second administration has reportedly involved loyalty tests, with Levi facing resistance due to his past association with former Attorney General William Barr, whom Trump views as disloyal.