Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, has called for the Supreme Court to take action against two Democratic senators who have been demanding Justice Samuel Alito's recusal from key cases related to former President Donald Trump. McConnell argued that Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island may be engaged in unethical professional conduct before the court, and that they should face disciplinary measures under court rules.

During his speech on the Senate floor, McConnell highlighted that Blumenthal and Whitehouse, as members of the Supreme Court bar, are bound by the court's rules, which provide for discipline against those who engage in conduct unbecoming an officer of the court. McConnell singled them out because they allegedly violated the American Bar Association's code of judicial conduct by privately asking Chief Justice John Roberts to alter the course of pending litigation.

The calls for Justice Alito's recusal stem from reports that flags associated with pro-Trump efforts to overturn the 2020 election results were flown at his homes. However, McConnell dismissed the concerns raised by Democrats, labeling them as "profoundly unserious" and "disgraceful bullying." He maintained that recusal is a judicial act and accused the senators of using their legislative office to threaten the federal courts.

In response, Senator Whitehouse refuted McConnell's characterization of his communications with Chief Justice Roberts as private. He emphasized that his letter to the court was a public letter on an administrative matter, seeking Chief Justice Roberts' administrative intervention to address ethics concerns and the lack of a meaningful recusal process. Whitehouse added that both Roberts and Alito viewed the communication as public.

Senator Blumenthal, who also wrote to Chief Justice Roberts, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on McConnell's remarks.

The Supreme Court has faced mounting pressure in recent years over politically divisive appointments, rulings, and ethics scandals. In November, Chief Justice Roberts announced the court's adoption of a code of ethics, but critics have questioned its effectiveness due to the absence of an enforcement mechanism. Senator Whitehouse has sponsored legislation that aims to establish an enforceable code of conduct for the Supreme Court.

While McConnell did not specify what disciplinary actions he believes the court should impose, he emphasized that the legal profession is responsible for policing unethical behavior among attorneys. He called on the Supreme Court to exercise its power to ensure ethical practices within its bar association.

As the debate over Justice Alito's recusal continues, it raises questions about the boundaries between legislative and judicial duties and the importance of maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession.