US Supreme Court justices release annual financial disclosures

What This is

• The US Supreme Court released annual financial disclosure forms showing justices’ gifts, outside income, and reimbursements for 2025.
• Eight of nine justices’ filings were released, with Justice Samuel Alito receiving an extension and not filing at the same time.
• Several justices reported large book-related income, including Amy Coney Barrett’s nearly $850,000 in memoir income and Ketanji Brown Jackson’s roughly $1.2 million in royalties or a $1.18 million book payment.
• Disclosures show justices also earned supplemental income from teaching and other paid assignments such as speaking engagements.
• Some disclosures included travel reimbursements connected to book promotion.
• Justice Sonia Sotomayor disclosed a $4,333 gift of concert tickets in Puerto Rico from Rimas Entertainment, a record label associated with Bad Bunny.
• A Washington Examiner review alleged some justices did not disclose certain awards or gifts in their filings.

Why This Matters

• Disclosures are a primary tool for spotting potential conflicts of interest in a court whose justices are not elected.
• Large book income, teaching pay, and valuable gifts can create real or perceived obligations that affect public trust even when legal.
• Incomplete, unclear, or delayed reporting weakens timely scrutiny by Congress, watchdogs, and litigants who need confidence in fair judging.
• Clear reporting standards help ensure all branches follow similar transparency expectations and reduce incentives to hide benefits in gray areas.