Washington, D.C (Washington Insider Magazine) – Donald Trump’s latest attempt to remove Judge Juan M. Merchan from the New York hush money case has been denied. On Wednesday, Judge Merchan rejected Trump’s demand, stating that the request was a repetition of previously debunked claims about his impartiality. Trump’s legal team had argued that Merchan’s daughter’s work with Democratic campaigns, including that of Vice President Kamala Harris, created a conflict of interest.
Judge Merchan’s decision marks the third time he has dismissed such a request from Trump’s defense. In his ruling, Merchan described the claims as based on “inaccuracies and unsubstantiated assertions,” and emphasized that his impartiality remains uncompromised. He reiterated his commitment to basing decisions solely on legal evidence, without undue influence.
Defense Continues to Challenge Case
Trump’s legal team, led by attorney Todd Blanche, argued that the political involvement of Merchan’s daughter has become more significant due to Harris’s role as a presidential candidate. They have sought to overturn the verdict and dismiss the case based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision limiting presidential immunity in legal matters. The defense contends that the court’s ruling restricts the use of official acts as evidence in this case.
Case Status and Next Steps
According to APNews, Trump was convicted in May for falsifying business records related to a 2016 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The prosecution argued that the payment was intended to suppress damaging stories during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Trump, who denies the allegations, has pledged to appeal the conviction, though legal appeals cannot proceed until after sentencing.
Judge Merchan has scheduled a ruling on the immunity claim for September 16 and a sentencing or further proceedings for September 18. The hush money case is one of four criminal cases against Trump, with other cases involving classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election still pending.
