In Secret Recordings, Alito Endorses Nation of ‘Godliness.’ Roberts Talks of Pluralism.
New York TimesJun 21
Secret Recordings of Alito Released
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Above: Justice Samuel Alito testifies about the court's budget during a hearing March 7, 2019. Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, in a conversation he didn't know was being recorded, can be heard in audio posted Monday by filmmaker Lauren Windsor to X, formerly Twitter, agreeing the US should return to "a place of Godliness."
Windsor, a liberal who describes herself as a documentary filmmaker and "advocacy journalist," secretly recorded conversations with Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts during the annual Supreme Court Historical Society black-tie event, which is closed to journalists.
The Spin
Left narrative
These remarks — which never reference the rule of law or the Constitution — show that Alito doesn't consider himself a neutral arbiter of issues before SCOTUS but instead has preset positions and doesn't believe in compromise. This is just the latest sign that Alito isn't qualified to serve on the US' highest court and there should be more accountability for the justices.
Right narrative
The left is desperate to tag any kind of scandal on a dignified conservative justice, especially Alito. But nothing Alito said in these recordings is egregious or incorrect. He's standing up for his rights and beliefs, and that's something every American should aspire to. There's no controversy here.
