A secretly recorded conversation with Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito is now raising concerns about his neutrality in politically charged cases before the nation’s highest court.
The edited audio was shared online by liberal filmmaker Lauren Windsor, who had posed as a conservative activist at a Supreme Court Historical Society dinner. During the conversation, Windsor asked Alito about the possibility of unity between the political left and right in the U.S.
“One side or the other is going to prevail,” Alito responded, unaware of being recorded. “I don’t know. I mean, there can be a way of coexisting peacefully, but it’s challenging because there are fundamental differences that cannot easily be reconciled.”
Windsor then suggested to Alito, “I believe the solution lies in winning the moral argument. People in this country who have faith in God must continue to advocate for that, to restore our nation to a state of godliness.”
“I agree,” Alito replied.
In another recording, Alito’s wife, Martha-Ann, expressed discontent about a pride flag in their neighborhood, expressing a desire to display a Catholic banner in response.
The Alito family has faced scrutiny for displaying flags on their property reminiscent of those carried by supporters of former President Donald Trump during the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. One of the flags at Alito’s New Jersey beach house has been linked to a movement seeking to reshape the U.S. government according to Christian principles.
During the dinner, Windsor also recorded Chief Justice John Roberts dismissing her suggestion that the court should lead the U.S. on a “Christian” path.
“I’m not sure if that’s accurate,” Roberts replied, unaware of being recorded.
The Supreme Court Historical Society informed the New York Times that it condemned the secret recordings as contrary to the event’s spirit. Windsor, a self-proclaimed advocacy journalist, revealed she purchased the ticket using her real name to attend the event.
Scripps News has not verified the authenticity of Windsor’s recordings, which were pre-edited and obtained from a third party. Additionally, the methods used by Windsor to gather the recordings do not align with the ethical standards set for Scripps News journalists.
