Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's recent financial disclosures reveal a timely stock trade that has sparked debate across political lines.
According to CNBC, Alito sold shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the company behind Bud Light, amid a boycott driven by the brand's association with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
On the same day, he invested in a comparable amount of stock from Molson Coors. This shift in Justice Alito's portfolio was recorded on August 14, 2023. It coincided with a significant downturn in Bud Light's sales, which had fallen by 25% following the onset of the boycott in April of that year.
Critics, including Gabe Roth, executive director of the watchdog group Fix the Court, have raised concerns about the timing of Alito's transactions.
Roth suggests that the actions might reflect underlying political biases, potentially impacting the Justice's impartiality in future cases involving trans rights and other socially charged issues.
"The sale, given the timing and much like an upside-down flag, can be construed as a political statement," Roth expressed in his communications. He argues that Supreme Court justices should avoid even the appearance of making political statements, whether directly or indirectly.
Adding to the complexity, Alito's residence was noted for displaying an upside-down U.S. flag following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot—a symbol often interpreted as a sign of distress or protest. Alito clarified that his wife, Martha-Ann Alito, had flown the flag briefly in reaction to offensive signage from a neighbor.
The transition from Bud Light to Molson Coors has also brought attention back to past boycotts that Molson Coors faced from various demographic groups, including Mexican-Americans, Blacks, and the LGBTQ community.
Despite multiple inquiries, the Supreme Court has remained silent regarding Alito's financial moves.
This silence comes at a critical time when the court is handling significant cases, including former President Donald Trump's claim of presidential immunity concerning his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Legal experts and the public are calling for Justice Alito's clearer explanation, suggesting that his market activities could reflect more than mere financial strategy.
Justice Samuel Alito's stock transactions have unfolded against political and social turmoil, intersecting personal finance with public duties.
The sales and purchases, aligned closely with national controversies, have ignited debates about the ethical standards expected of the highest court's justices. As the Supreme Court navigates critical legal battles, the implications of such actions continue to resonate, challenging perceptions of judicial impartiality.
