Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Warns of Supreme Court's Unchecked Power, Condemns Alito Family's 'Insurrectionist Symbology'

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has raised concerns about the Supreme Court's lack of oversight and criticized Justice Samuel Alito and his wife for their association with "insurrectionist symbology." Buttigieg's remarks stem from a secret recording of a recent dinner event where Justice Alito's wife expressed her desire to fly a Catholic flag in response to a nearby Pride flag.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has cautioned against the Supreme Court's unchecked power and condemned Justice Samuel Alito and his wife's association with "insurrectionist symbology." Buttigieg's concerns were sparked by a secret recording of a recent dinner event where Justice Alito's wife, Martha-Ann Alito, disclosed her desire to fly a "Sacred Heart of Jesus" flag as a counterpoint to a visible Pride flag.

"Supreme Court justices have an unbelievable amount of power," Buttigieg remarked during an interview on CNN. "And by the nature and the structure of the Supreme Court, there is no supervision over that power. They are entrusted with it literally for as long as they live."

Buttigieg emphasized that trust in the Supreme Court hinges on justices making "enormously consequential decisions that shape our everyday lives with a sense of fairness." However, he expressed skepticism about Martha-Ann Alito's intentions, considering her husband's conservative views and alleged connections to the January 6th Capitol riot.

The New York Times previously reported on flags linked to the Capitol riot that were flown at the Alitos' homes. While Justice Alito attributed an upside American flag found outside one house to his wife's initiative and denied any relation to the insurrection, an "Appeal to Heaven" flag was displayed at their beach home. This flag has historical significance in naval warfare.

Buttigieg's condemnation of the Alitos' flag choices extended beyond their apparent connection to the Capitol riot. He argued that the Catholic symbol carried by Martha-Ann Alito was equally problematic.

"I also hope that most Americans can understand the difference between a flag that symbolizes love and acceptance and signals to people who have sometimes feared for their safety that they're going to be okay and insurrectionist symbology," Buttigieg stated, contrasting the Pride flag with Martha-Ann Alito's preferred banner.

Buttigieg's comments have ignited a debate about the proper role of the Supreme Court in a democratic society. Some legal scholars contend that the Court's lack of direct accountability may lead to arbitrary and potentially unjust decisions. Others argue that judicial independence is essential to ensure the impartiality and integrity of the Court's rulings.

The Supreme Court Historical Society has denounced the surreptitious recording of Justice Alito and his wife. The incident has also prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability within the highest court in the land.