'Freak flag': Senate Democrats bash Supreme Court Justice Alito for upside-down flag

Senate Democrats are calling out Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for flying an upside-down American flag outside his Virginia home, first reported by the New York Times Thursday. But as of now, there is no plan to take action against him.

A symbol for false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump, the flipped flag could signal a political bias by Alito, experts and lawmakers have argued. The Supreme Court is currently deciding two cases related to attempts by Trump and supporters to overturn the election.

Alito said in a statement to the New York Times he “had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag," and that it was the decision of his wife, Martha-Ann Alito, in response to a feud with a neighbor.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said he still doesn't understand why the justice of the highest court would allow his judgment to come into question, according to NBC News.

“If that dude wants to fly his freak flag — it’s very strange,” Fetterman said. “Now you wonder: Does he love Tucker Carlson and all kinds of weird, kinds of strange stuff like that?”

Top House Democrat weighs in: Hakeem Jeffries calls on Alito to apologize for 'disrespecting the American flag'

Despite having similar criticism for Alito, high-ranking Senate Democrat Dick Durbin of Illinois told reporters Monday he does not expect a congressional hearing on the issue.

"I think he’s explained his situation," Durbin, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said. "The American public understands what he did."

“But I don’t think there’s much to be gained with a hearing at this point," he continued. "I think he should recuse himself from cases involving Trump and his administration.”

Related: Justices Thomas, Alito complain about 'nastiness' and 'imperiled' freedom of religion

Alito's controversy comes after fellow Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas declined to recuse himself from the cases, rejecting calls for him to do so because of his wife, Virginia Thomas' repeated claims that the election was stolen. She was also in attendance for Trump's "Stop the steal" rally Jan. 6, 2021.

If Alito likewise chooses not to remove himself from the decision, Durbin said there would be "no recourse other than impeachment."

"And we’re not at that point at all,” he said.

More: John Fetterman wants you to know he's consistent – and not just about hoodies

Conservative lawmakers have also called Alito's judgment into question.

“It’s not good judgment to do that,” Graham told reporters, according to NBC News. “He said his wife was insulted and got mad. I assume that to be true. But he’s still a Supreme Court justice. And people have to realize that moments like that — to think it through.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alito 'stop the steal' upside-down flag draws ire from Democrats