News

Trump Asks For Recusal Of Judge Overseeing Hush-Money Case

Lawyers defending Donald Trump in his hush-money case have asked presiding judge Juan Merchan to recuse himself from the proceedings taking place in New York, claiming that he is ruling with bias.

Trump has repeatedly referred to Merchan as a “Trump-hating judge” as part of his campaign against the prosecutors of his criminal case. In April 2023, the former president was charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records reflecting an apparent deal to cover up allegations of affairs. He pleaded not guilty on all counts.

According to Trump’s lawyers, Merchan has a conflict of interest in this case because of his daughter, who works for the digital agency Authentic. This firm has previously enlisted Democratic officials such as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as clients, and is known for supporting progressive campaigns.

Trump’s defense team has claimed that Merchan’s ruling could “result in financial benefit” for his daughter, as she “stands to profit from a conviction against former President Trump.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

In addition, Merchan has been accused of acting with bias in previous rulings. He allegedly urged the Trump Organization’s former chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, to cooperate against Trump by pleading guilty to tax fraud in 2022. Weisselberg and the Trump Organization were indicted and found guilty in a trial in which Merchan presided.

Merchan is also being asked to publicly disclose political contributions made in his name over the years. He was found to have made three contributions through nonprofit ActBlue during the 2020 presidential campaign: he donated $10 to Progressive Turnout Project, $10 to Stop Republicans and $15 to Biden’s campaign.

As Trump lawyers Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche wrote in their court filing, “This case before this Court is historic and it is important that the People of the State of New York and this nation have the confidence that the jurist who presides over it is impartial.”

Court representatives have declined to comment on the matter, as it is pending before a judge. The trial is set to be held next March, but the actual decision to recuse will be up to Merchan himself.

Ava Lombardi

Recent Posts

Critics Pounce After Trump Simulates Sex Act On Mic At Milwaukee Rally

A Friday rally for former President Donald Trump in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, took a turn after…

5 hours ago

VIDEO: Fans React After Beyonce Endorses Kamala Harris At Houston Rally: ‘I Am Here As A Mother’

https://youtu.be/q2oV_MCuTNE Beyonce endorsed Kamala Harris for the presidency when she joined the Democratic candidate at…

5 hours ago

VIDEO: Oprah Speaks At Kamala Harris Rally: ‘If We Don’t Show Up, We May Not Have Power To Cast Another Ballot Again’

https://youtu.be/zlWDb0SSzXs Oprah Winfrey joined Kamala Harris at a star-studded rally in Philadelphia on Monday night,…

6 hours ago

GOP Cries Foul After Kamala Harris Makes Surprise Appearance On ‘SNL’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6Funs6yyEw With just days remaining before the 2024 presidential election, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris made a surprise…

19 hours ago

VIDEO: Cardi B Says Kamala Harris ‘Changed My Mind Completely’ About Voting, ‘I Believe In Her’

https://youtu.be/q-mZ4qmOGkw Rapper Cardi B riled up the crowd and endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris…

20 hours ago

VIDEO: Robert De Niro Lists Reasons To Vote for Kamala Harris At Philadelphia Eagles Game

https://youtu.be/PA_bbsbPivk Actor Robert De Niro stumped for Vice President Kamala Harris at a Philadelphia Eagles…

20 hours ago