New York – With his hush-money criminal trial looming, former President Donald Trump seeks to have the judge removed from the case, citing bias and conflict of interest. Trump’s lawyers argue that Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan should step aside as his daughter works as a Democratic political consultant, a claim the judge rejected previously.
The trial, scheduled to begin on April 15, marks the first of Trump’s four criminal cases set to proceed, making it the first-ever criminal trial involving a former president. The decision on whether Judge Merchan will recuse himself rests solely with him, potentially disrupting the trial schedule and granting Trump the postponement he seeks.
As the Manhattan District Attorney’s office sees no grounds for Merchan to step down, Trump’s defense argues that the judge’s daughter’s firm, Authentic Campaigns, has financial ties to Democratic candidates and causes, potentially influencing the case. However, prosecutors reject this connection, asserting that any influence is based on assumptions rather than evidence.
Additionally, Trump’s attempt to compel NBC to disclose materials related to a documentary about Stormy Daniels, a key witness, was thwarted by Merchan on grounds of being a fishing expedition. Despite Trump’s efforts to delay the trial until the Supreme Court weighs in on presidential immunity claims, Merchan’s rulings so far have dismissed such requests.
The hush-money case revolves around allegations that Trump manipulated his company’s records to conceal payments to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for suppressing negative stories during the 2016 campaign. Trump maintains his innocence of a sexual encounter with Daniels and argues that the payments were legitimate legal expenses.
Trump’s public criticisms of Merchan and his daughter on social media platforms, without evidence, fueled his push for the judge’s recusal. Trump’s escalating attacks, including baseless claims of bias, have led to an expanded gag order prohibiting him from making further public statements about the case.
Despite the defense’s efforts to paint Merchan as biased, the judge stands by his impartiality, refuting claims of conflict of interest and highlighting the lack of concrete evidence supporting Trump’s demands for recusal. As tensions escalate, the upcoming trial promises to be historic and closely watched as it sets precedent for future proceedings involving former presidents.