Newly released financial disclosure forms from the U.S. Supreme Court are giving the public a closer look at how the justices spend their time away from the bench — and how much money they earn doing it.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor received gifted concert tickets last August during a personal visit to Puerto Rico, according to her disclosure form. While the paperwork does not name the performer, Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny is known to have performed multiple shows on the island that month. The $4,333 gift was provided by Rimas Entertainment, which is Bad Bunny’s record label. Sotomayor attended with unidentified guests.
The financial activities of Supreme Court justices have faced growing public scrutiny in recent years, driven in part by news coverage — including reporting by The Associated Press — that has spotlighted lucrative book arrangements, gifts received, and travel taken by members of the court. Investigations by ProPublica previously revealed that Justice Clarence Thomas had failed to disclose luxury travel funded by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow.
The newly filed forms make clear that writing books continues to be a significant income source for several justices. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, whose memoir “Lovely One” was published in 2024, disclosed nearly $1.2 million in book advances. Justice Amy Coney Barrett reported more than $849,000 in royalties, and Justice Neil Gorsuch disclosed $300,000 in royalty payments. Both Jackson and Barrett reported attending more than a dozen book-related events where food, travel, or lodging was provided.
A number of justices also reported income from teaching. Chief Justice John Roberts earned $25,000 for leading a brief course at New England Law School. Justice Brett Kavanaugh received $33,285 for teaching at Notre Dame.
Kavanaugh also gave a speech last September at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, with his meals, transportation, and lodging covered. The AP previously reported that the same institution had invited Justice Thomas to headline an event there in 2017.
The court made disclosure forms available for eight of its nine current justices. Justice Samuel Alito, consistent with past practice, submitted a request for a 90-day filing extension, the court confirmed.
