Trump accused Judge Merchan of potential bias because of family connections to Democratic politicians amidst a case leading to a sentencing date set for September 18.
Newsweek reported that Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg is urging Judge Juan Merchan to dismiss Trump's motion for his recusal, citing "fatal defects" in Trump's request.
Trump's legal team argues that Merchan's daughter’s professional ties with Democratic figures present a conflict of interest. Specifically, they mention her connections to Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. This is Trump’s third attempt to question Merchan's impartiality based on these claims.
Despite these allegations, Judge Merchan has consistently denied requests for recusal, supporting his decisions with advice from a judicial ethics advisory committee. Bragg has emphasized that Trump's arguments rehash previously dismissed claims and lack new evidence or circumstances that would justify a recusal.
The debate hinges on Trump's conviction on 34 felony charges regarding falsifications in business records, which are allegedly linked to hush money payments. His conviction is currently under an appeal which highlights a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity as a defense.
Trump's lawyers, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, have specifically stated their concerns about Merchan's impartiality potentially benefiting Democratic interests directly associated with his daughter.
Moreover, throughout the recusal saga, tensions have spiked leading to a gag order imposed by Judge Merchan. This action came after Trump publicly criticized the judge’s family, resulting in a $10,000 fine for multiple violations of this order.
Todd Blanche and Emil Bove commented on the judicial stance:
Decisions by Your Honor on the pending Presidential immunity motion and at any sentencing would benefit not only Harris but also the professional aspirations and financial status of Your Honor's daughter.
Alvin Bragg has responded vigorously to these ongoing recusal attempts. He dismisses the accusations as inflammatory and unmerited, asserting that no new facts have been introduced that would sway the court's previous decisions on the matter.
As September 6 approaches, with a hearing set to reconsider Trump's motion to overturn the conviction, the legal battle intensifies. Trump's team seeks to leverage every possible angle, including asserting judicial bias in an attempt to affect the outcome of his sentencing later that month.
Alvin Bragg is unequivocal in his critique:
No amount of overheated, hyperbolic rhetoric can cure the fatal defects in defendant's ongoing effort to impugn the fairness of these proceedings and the impartiality of this court.
Judge Merchan maintains his stance as well, stating succinctly, "There is no agenda here." His decisions thus far suggest a commitment to adhering to legal ethics despite the high-profile nature of the case.
As the date of sentencing approaches, the attempts by Donald Trump's legal team to challenge the validity of his conviction and the impartiality of the presiding judge continue to unfold. The allegations of bias hinge on familial connections with Democratic figures, a point that has been repeatedly dismissed by both Judge Merchan and now echoed by DA Alvin Bragg. The outcome remains pending as the court prepares to address the latest motion early next month.
