Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recently shared a lighthearted anecdote about his relationship, or lack thereof, with fellow Justice Samuel Alito during their time at Yale Law School.
Thomas sat down with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, for a rare interview on the "Verdict with Ted Cruz" podcast, where the two discussed race, politics and various other topics. The conversation turned to Thomas's colleagues on the Supreme Court, including Alito, who attended Yale a year behind him.
When Thomas asked why they weren't friends while at the Ivy League institution, Alito offered a straightforward explanation that drew laughter: "Clarence, you were scary."
Thomas recalled the exchange during the interview. "So I said, 'Sam, how come we were there two years together? Why weren't we friends?' And he said, 'Clarence, you were scary.'" Thomas also explained his distinctive appearance at the time, noting that he wore bib overalls and combat boots throughout law school.
The justice added with a chuckle: "I'm so glad they didn't have these phones where you could take a lot of pictures."
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive commentators who cover the Supreme Court noted the humanizing nature of the exchange between two justices often portrayed in ideological terms. Some observers pointed out that the anecdote illustrates how even colleagues on the nation's highest court had limited personal connections during their formative professional years.
Civil rights advocates have long followed Thomas's career, given his background as the second Black justice to serve on the Supreme Court. The interview offered rare personal reflections from a justice who rarely speaks publicly about his experiences or relationships with fellow justices.
What the Right Is Saying
During an appearance on "The Will Cain Show," Cruz described Thomas in terms of personal and intellectual transformation, noting he was once a "left-wing radical" in college before eventually embracing conservatism. Cruz called him an "extraordinary thinker" who overcame significant adversity to reach the pinnacle of American law.
Conservative commentators highlighted the interview as providing rare insight into the private thoughts of one of the court's most prominent conservative justices. Supporters of Thomas noted his reputation for being reserved and independent-minded, traits that apparently extended beyond the courtroom during his time in academia.
What the Numbers Show
Thomas joined the Supreme Court in 1991, appointed by President George H.W. Bush. Alito followed in 2006, appointed by President George W. Bush. Both justices represent the court's conservative wing and have served together for nearly two decades.
Yale Law School is consistently ranked among the top three law schools in the United States. Thomas graduated from Yale in 1974; Alito graduated in 1975, meaning their time at the institution overlapped by approximately one year.
The Bottom Line
The interview offers a rare public glimpse into the personal dynamics between Supreme Court justices outside of oral arguments and opinions. While Thomas and Alito have served together on the court for nearly 20 years, their law school paths apparently did not include a close friendship. The exchange highlights how even those who eventually become colleagues may have had limited interaction during their professional formation. Thomas's willingness to share such personal details marks an unusual departure from his typically private public persona.