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Justice Thomas Cancels In-Person Speech Due to Security Concerns
Supreme Court justice cites polarization and incivility in rare public remarks
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Justice Clarence Thomas told a legal conference at American University's law school that he had hoped to attend the event in person, but a security risk had forced him to appear remotely instead. Thomas expressed concerns about the increasing polarization and incivility facing the Supreme Court, as well as the heightened threats judges have faced in recent years.
Why it matters
Thomas' remarks offer a rare glimpse into the security challenges and political tensions facing the Supreme Court, which has often kept the justices insulated from public view. The episode underscores the growing threats to the judiciary, particularly after the leak of the court's draft decision to eliminate the nationwide right to abortion in 2022.
The details
During the closed-door session, Thomas told the audience he did not want to 'endanger anyone' by his presence. He did not specify the security concern that prompted the change in plans. Thomas also lamented the lack of civility in society, contrasting it with the camaraderie he experienced among the justices when he first joined the court in 1991.
- Justice Thomas joined the Supreme Court in 1991.
- The Supreme Court's draft decision to eliminate the nationwide right to abortion was leaked in 2022.
- The legal conference at American University's law school took place this week.
The players
Justice Clarence Thomas
The oldest member of the Supreme Court, who has served since 1991 and is known for his conservative views.
Sen. Mike Lee
A Republican senator from Utah who participated remotely in the conference.
Gene Schaerr
A lawyer who was a former associate counsel to President George H.W. Bush and now runs a conservative litigation firm and teaches at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University.
Donald Trump
The former president whose advisers and allies have attacked the legitimacy of judges who rule against the administration.
Jamieson Greer
The U.S. trade representative during the Trump administration who attended the conference.
What they’re saying
“I apologize for having to change things, but I wanted to make sure I didn't endanger anyone by my mere presence.”
— Justice Clarence Thomas (The New York Times)
“I think it says so much about where we are. That we are sitting here, and the people we are speaking to are sitting there, when in a civil society, we would all be sitting in the same room, at the same table, even as we disagree.”
— Justice Clarence Thomas (The New York Times)
What’s next
The Supreme Court has not commented on the specific security concerns that led Justice Thomas to cancel his in-person appearance. It remains to be seen whether the court will address the growing threats facing judges and the impact on public access to the justices.
The takeaway
Justice Thomas' remarks highlight the increasing polarization and lack of civility in the country, which has led to heightened security concerns for the Supreme Court and the judiciary more broadly. This episode underscores the challenges the court faces in maintaining public trust and access amidst a politically charged environment.
