Donald Trump is once again seeking the removal of the judge overseeing his criminal trial in New York, arguing that the judge’s daughter’s involvement with a Democratic-affiliated consultancy creates a conflict of interest.
Last year, Trump made a similar request for Justice Juan Merchan to step down, but it was denied after an ethics review determined that his daughter’s work did not compromise his impartiality.
In a recent court filing, Trump’s lawyers requested permission to formally motion for the judge’s recusal, asserting that the trial would financially benefit the consultancy firm Authentic Campaigns, where the judge’s daughter works.
However, neither Authentic Campaigns nor the New York State Office of Court Administration has provided immediate comments on the matter.
Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, who brought charges against Trump last year, oppose Trump’s request.
They argue that there is nothing new that would warrant the judge’s recusal, emphasizing that previous assessments found no direct benefit to the judge’s family member or the consultancy firm.
Trump’s legal maneuvering aims to delay the trial proceedings until after his expected rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden on November 5.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including 34 counts related to falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who alleges an affair with Trump.
The trial judge, Juan Merchan, recently expanded a gag order to limit Trump’s speech regarding trial participants and their families after Trump made disparaging remarks about the judge’s daughter online.
Trump’s legal team argues that the gag order infringes on his First Amendment rights to free speech, setting the stage for further legal disputes.
