On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, NPR reported that the Missouri Supreme Court unanimously ruled to remove St. Charles County Judge Michael Thornhill from his position, citing a lack of decorum. The decision stems from Thornhill’s behavior, most notably his penchant for dressing as Elvis Presley and playing the musician’s songs in the courtroom.
The state’s highest court stated that Judge Thornhill’s actions violated the standards of judicial conduct. In addition to the Elvis impersonations, the court cited Thornhill’s repeated political statements made within the courtroom, including endorsements of specific candidates and ballot measures.
Thornhill, a Republican, gained national attention last year when images of him in Elvis attire surfaced online. The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasized that Thornhill “failed to maintain order and decorum” and “failed to maintain the dignity appropriate of judicial office” through his clothing choices and musical selections.
Initially, Thornhill had agreed to resign after a six-month suspension without pay, followed by an 18-month return to the bench. However, he later sought to revise the terms of his punishment in November, arguing that the news coverage had caused “public, irreparable harm” to his reputation. His legal team requested the court to reduce the suspension to 60 days, but the Supreme Court rejected this appeal.
The court’s ruling mandates Thornhill’s immediate removal from the bench. Governor Mike Kehoe is now tasked with appointing a replacement for the vacated position in the coming weeks.
Source: NPR
