A painting of Thomas and Crow smoking cigars in company including the rightwing activist Leonard Leo was included in an explosive report by ProPublica, detailing Crow’s lavish gifts to Thomas over more than 25 years.

ProPublica also described trips on private planes and yachts and stays at lavish resorts.

In a rare statement, Thomas said he had been advised such “personal hospitality” did not have to be declared under federal rules.

He added: “I have endeavoured to follow that counsel throughout my tenure and have always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines.

Critics said Thomas had “clearly” broken the law regarding the declaration of gifts. The Washington Post noted Thomas has declared just two since 2004.

Crow denied discussing or seeking to influence the court through his friendship with Thomas and his wife, the far-right activist Ginni Thomas.