Topline
After experiencing flu-like symptoms, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, 73, was admitted to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. Friday, where he was diagnosed with an infection, the Supreme Court announced Sunday, saying Thomas expects to be released in the coming days.
Key Facts
Thomas is being treated with intravenous antibiotics, according to the Supreme Court.
The Court said Thomas will continue to consider and discuss its cases via briefs, transcripts and audio of oral arguments.
Thomas is “resting comfortably” and his symptoms are abating, according to the Court.
What We Don’t Know
It is unclear if this “flu-like” infection is Covid-19. Thomas, along with the other members of the Court, have been vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19, according to the Associated Press.
What To Watch For
Thomas’ hospitalization comes just before the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to begin its confirmation hearings for Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to be nominated to the Court since it was established in 1789. Should she be confirmed, Jackson will join Thomas and Thurgood Marshall as the only Black justices in the Court’s history. President Joe Biden nominated Jackson following Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement in January.
Tangent
Thomas, a conservative-leaning judge, came under fire recently following reports that his wife, Ginni, attended a White House rally that preceded the January 6 Capitol Riot. On Monday, Ginni told the Washington Free Beacon, a conservative news outlet, that while she did attend the rally, she played no role in organizing it, and that her ideals have no impact on her husband’s duties as a Supreme Court Justice.
