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Clyburn regrets Thomas support
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Rep. James Clyburn called his 1991 support for Justice Clarence Thomas a "mistake" on Meet the Press. He now backs expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices.
Background
Clyburn, a senior Democrat from South Carolina, helped advocate for Thomas's confirmation in 1991. He now says he regrets that support, arguing Thomas turned his back on civil rights, notably in the 2024 decision that ruled affirmative action unconstitutional. Clyburn's remarks come as some Democrats push to expand the Supreme Court.
How it unfolded
- 1991Clyburn supported Clarence Thomas during his Supreme Court confirmation hearings.
- 2024The Supreme Court, with Thomas in the majority, ruled affirmative action in college admissions unconstitutional.
- Aug 30, 2026In a Meet the Press interview, Clyburn said his support for Thomas was a 'mistake' and that he 'will own up to that mistake.'
- Aug 31, 2026Clyburn's comments drew widespread coverage, with reports noting his call for expanding the Supreme Court to 13 justices.
Who’s saying what
- Clyburn
- Clyburn says supporting Thomas was a mistake and that Thomas 'rebel[led]' against his own background.
- Critics
- Some commentators, like BizPacReview, suggest Clyburn is implying Thomas is a 'race traitor.'
Still unverified
Allegations of corruption against Thomas have been reported but not proven.