Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ friendship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas sparks CNN uproar. Reports reveal that DeSantis’ bond with Thomas began three years ago and has been nurtured by Federalist Society co-chairman Lenard Leo. CNN questioned whether this connection could aid DeSantis in his race for the White House.
CNN This Morning hosts Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly examined Governor Ron DeSantis’ relationship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, as the pair reportedly became friends three years ago after being introduced by Lenard Leo, Federalist Society co-chairman. Leo’s close connection with both DeSantis and Thomas raises questions about DeSantis’ aspirations for the White House and the influence Leo holds in decisions related to the judiciary.
In a 2020 clip, DeSantis called Thomas “our greatest living justice.” CNN’s Supreme Court Analyst Joan Biskupic explained the connections between DeSantis, former President Trump, and the Supreme Court. She revealed that Lenard Leo helped advise Trump on Supreme Court nominations, and also started advising DeSantis in 2018.
The close relationships between DeSantis, Leo, and Thomas were further scrutinized, noting that the three even shared a meal at a steakhouse following the 2020 Federalist Society Dinner. CNN devoted considerable time to discussing this interwoven connection, recognizing the power of the Federalist Society in both federal and state judiciaries. Biskupic highlighted the alignment between Thomas’ and DeSantis’ conservative values, suggesting that their shared ideologies might have connected them even without Leo’s influence.
Regardless, CNN’s focus on DeSantis and Thomas’ friendship highlights the network’s apparent anti-Republican bias.
