Story perspectives

Justice Thomas Misrepresents Progressivism's Roots, Critics Say

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, diverges from Thurgood Marshall.
Thomas claims progressive politics conflict with the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Matt Ford of The New Republic argues Thomas misrepresents history by portraying Woodrow Wilson as the movement's originator.
Ford says progressivism emerged in the 1890s from a diverse coalition and criticizes Thomas for using Wilson's legacy in contemporary race debates.

1 of 1

Story summary

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1991, diverges from Thurgood Marshall.
Thomas claims progressive politics conflict with the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Matt Ford of The New Republic argues Thomas misrepresents history by portraying Woodrow Wilson as the movement's originator.
Ford says progressivism emerged in the 1890s from a diverse coalition and criticizes Thomas for using Wilson's legacy in contemporary race debates.