In recent developments, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has come under scrutiny for selling shares of beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) amidst a boycott and for his involvement in a flag controversy. As conservatives were boycotting the Bud Light brewer over its partnership with a transgender social media influencer, Alito sold between $1,000 and $15,000 of AB InBev stock on August 14, 2023, according to a recently disclosed financial filing.

Interestingly, on the same day, Alito also purchased an equivalent amount of stock in another beer company, Molson Coors. This trading activity has raised accusations that Alito, one of the court's conservative justices, may be engaging in partisan politics, which goes against the recently adopted code of conduct that directs the justices to "refrain from political activity."

These transactions occurred as Anheuser-Busch continued to grapple with a long-running campaign to boycott Bud Light due to its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in an April 2023 social media campaign. This partnership placed the beermaker at the center of the broader fight over transgender rights and acceptance in the United States, drawing backlash from both conservatives and supporters of Mulvaney, who reportedly faced stalking and death threats during the controversy.

It is worth noting that Alito's switch to investing in Molson Coors carries its own significance. The company has faced boycotts in the past from the Mexican-American, Black, and LGBTQ communities due to its workplace practices. This choice has fueled further scrutiny of Alito's actions, suggesting potential political leanings.

The disclosure of Alito's stock transactions has come to light amidst another controversy involving an upside-down U.S. flag seen at his home shortly after the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. While Alito denies any involvement in inverting the flag, stating that his wife did so briefly in response to a neighbor's provocative language on yard signs, critics remain unsatisfied.

Gabe Roth, executive director of the nonprofit judicial watchdog group Fix the Court, has raised concerns about the timing of Alito's sale of Anheuser-Busch stock, comparing it to a political statement. Roth emphasized that Supreme Court justices should refrain from making political statements, even if they are conveyed indirectly through their actions or those of their spouse or broker.

It is important to note that there is no known pending business before the Supreme Court involving the beer companies Alito traded stock in. However, Roth argues that if the sale was in response to the Bud Light controversy, it could imply an appearance of bias in future court cases related to transgender rights.

As these controversies continue to circulate, commentators and the public are demanding further explanations from Justice Alito. The Supreme Court has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the justice's transactions or the timing of his stock activity. It remains to be seen how these revelations will impact Alito's reputation and any potential future implications.