Chief Justice Roberts turns down Democrats' request to discuss Alito controversy and court ethics

Chief Justice John Roberts on Thursday rejected a request from Democratic senators to discuss Supreme Court ethics as well as the flag controversy involving Justice Samuel Alito. 

This decision comes shortly after Alito said that he would not recuse himself from high court decisions involving former President Donald Trump, according to The Associated Press. 

“I must respectfully decline your request for a meeting,” Roberts wrote, according to the outlet. 

Alito is facing backlash over an upside down American flag flying outside of his home in Virginia. Another flag, called the "Appeal to Heaven" flag, was flown outside of a different house owned by the Alitos. The Supreme Court justice said his wife was responsible for the upside down flag.