The New York judge who oversaw former President Trump’s criminal trial refused the latest request to recuse himself from the case over his daughter’s work for Democrats.
It marks the third time that Judge Juan Merchan has refused to recuse himself, insisting there is no conflict and that he will remain on the case as it proceeds to sentencing in September.
“Stated plainly, Defendant’s arguments are nothing more than a repetition of stale and unsubstantiated claims,” Merchan wrote in his ruling.
Despite being denied twice, Trump’s lawyers once again filed for Judge Merchan to recuse himself after Presdient Biden ended his re-election bid.
“Your Honor’s daughter has a long-standing relationship with Harris, including work for political campaigns. She has obtained — and stands to obtain in the future — extensive financial, professional, and personal benefits from her relationship with Harris,” Trump attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove wrote in their request.
But the judge spurned the accusation that he has a conflict, noting that a state ethics advisory committee last year provided guidance that he didn’t need to step aside.
“This Court now reiterates for the third time, that which should already be clear – innuendo and mischaracterizations do not a conflict create. Recusal is therefore not necessary, much less required,” Merchan wrote.
The judge has, however, received a warning for making $35 total in political contributions to the Biden campaign and two liberal-leaning groups, including one called “Stop Republicans.” Though the donations occurred before Merchan took on Trump’s hush money case, ethics rules bar New York judges from making political contributions.
“The acting Justice has consistently and recklessly displayed his personal bias against President Trump throughout the case, including issuing an illegal, unconstitutional, and election-interfering Gag Order against the President and his campaign, and admitting
constitutionally prohibited ‘evidence’ at trial,” Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. “The Highly-Conflicted Judge should have long ago recused himself from this case.”
Totally IN ON getting Trump
The problem is now, Harris is Trump’s contender and she, Harris, possibly had dealings with associates of Merchan while in the White House and she is still the VP of the US. And now Merchan has conflict of interest possibly unless there is an investigation of the White House officials and then and only then the truth will be made. It is unfair to Trump that the courts may be compromised due to the court’s interactions with the White House and the outcome of this trial. The defendant always gets the benefit of the doubt. Harris would be compelled to have Trump imprisoned before the election and I find that very disturbing.