Clarence Thomas claims he was told it was not necessary to publicly report the $500,000 trips he took with GOP mega donor Harlan Crow

• Justice Thomas defended himself after a bombshell report raised questions about his financial disclosures.
• Thomas said that he had followed guidance by not disclosing lavish trips financed by a GOP megadonor who he considers a close friend.
• Congressional Democrats vowed swift action in the wake of the latest Thomas-related imbroglio.

Justice Clarence Thomas issued a rare public statement on Friday arguing that he was following guidance from colleagues and other judges when he failed to publicly disclose years' worth of lavish trips financed by GOP megadonor Harlan Crow.