Justice Clarence Thomas Reflects on Time at Yale with Justice Alito

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas shared an amusing anecdote about a conversation with Justice Samuel Alito regarding their time at Yale Law School. Thomas and Alito, both alumni of the prestigious institution, were not friends during that period. When asked about this, Alito remarked that Thomas was “scary” at the time.

Thomas discussed this and more in an interview with Senator Ted Cruz for the “Verdict with Ted Cruz” podcast. The conversation covered various topics, including race and politics. The episode aired on Wednesday.

Thomas reminisced about their interactions at Yale. Alito, a year junior to Thomas, was described by Thomas as a “funny guy,” “brilliant,” and “always nerdy,” with mutual Ivy League backgrounds being a point of connection.

Thomas recalled asking Alito why they hadn’t become friends despite spending two years at the same institution. Alito’s response highlighted Thomas’s intimidating presence, emphasized by his choice of attire, which included bib overalls and combat boots. Thomas humorously noted his relief that smartphone cameras, prevalent today, were absent during his college years.

On “The Will Cain Show,” Cruz remarked on Thomas’s ideological journey. While in college, Thomas held left-wing views before evolving into a prominent conservative thinker. Cruz acknowledged Thomas’s remarkable path, noting the challenges he had to overcome to excel in American law.