Supreme Court Justice Alito’s Wife Raised Upside-Down Flag in Response to Neighborhood Dispute
In a recent incident reported by The Washington Post, Martha-Ann Alito, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., raised an upside-down American flag on their flagpole, describing it as “an international signal of distress.” This action was reportedly taken in response to a dispute with their neighbors in Fairfax County, Va.
The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about the impartiality of Justice Alito in light of his wife’s actions. The flag, a symbol long associated with distress and political protest, was flown for several days following a heated confrontation between Martha-Ann Alito and a neighbor over political yard signs. The signs reportedly carried messages that were perceived as insulting and objectionable.
This latest development comes amidst a contentious political climate following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and ongoing efforts by some to challenge the results of the 2020 election. Calls for Justice Alito to recuse himself from election-related cases have emerged, citing concerns about the appearance of bias.
The controversy surrounding the Alitos’ home in Virginia has been further fueled by reports of a similar flag, known as the “Appeal to Heaven” flag, being flown outside their vacation home in New Jersey. This flag, associated with Christian nationalists and some Jan. 6 rioters, has added another layer of scrutiny to the couple.
As the spotlight intensifies on Martha-Ann Alito and her political activism, questions remain about the implications of her actions on the Supreme Court’s credibility and the justices’ ability to remain impartial in high-stakes cases related to the 2020 election and the Capitol attack. The delicate balance between personal beliefs and judicial responsibilities continues to be a subject of debate among legal experts and lawmakers alike.