The Supreme Court announced Sunday evening that Associate Justice Clarence Thomas has been hospitalized since Friday with an infection. The court said the infection was “abating” and that Thomas should be released within days, but that he would keep up with cases before the court while recovering.
“Justice Clarence Thomas was admitted to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Friday evening after experiencing flu-like symptoms. He underwent tests, was diagnosed with an infection, and is being treated with intravenous antibiotics. His symptoms are abating, he is resting comfortably, and he expects to be released from the hospital in a day or two. Justice Thomas will participate in the consideration and discussion of any cases for which he is not present on the basis of the briefs, transcripts, and audio of the oral arguments.”
Per Supreme Court: “Justice Clarence Thomas was admitted to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Friday evening after experiencing flu-like symptoms.” pic.twitter.com/Wu0wKZkFCe
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) March 20, 2022
Thomas, 73, is currently the longest serving justice having been appointed in 1991 by President George W. Bush.
The announcement of Thomas’ illness comes on the eve of the start of confirmation hearings on Monday for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.
Thomas is the second African-American appointed to the Supreme Court. Jackson would be the third and first Black woman on the court.
Liberal activists have recently been trying to undermine Thomas by attacking his wife Ginni’s conservative activism.