Donald Trump’s Lawyers Request Recusal of Judge in New York Hush Money Trial
Defense Lawyers Argue Financial Conflict Impacts Judge’s Impartiality
Defense lawyers for former President Donald Trump have once again asked Judge Juan Merchan to recuse himself from the ongoing New York hush money trial. The lawyers filed a letter on Monday, highlighting a potential conflict of interest posed by the judge’s daughter’s work for the digital consulting firm, Authentic Campaigns. Trump’s legal team claims that this financial relationship creates an “ongoing financial interest” that could ultimately influence the judge’s impartiality.
Prosecutors Deny Allegations and Request Immediate Denial
Prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney’s office responded to the defense’s request in a filing on Tuesday. They stated that the defense’s request for recusal is factually flawed and fails to provide any new information that would warrant a new judge. prosecutor Matthew Colangelo defended the judge’s previous ruling, stating that there is no direct benefit to the judge’s family member or the consulting firm in this case and that the defense’s allegations are not grounded in fact.
Previous Attempts to Recuse Judge Declined
This is not the first time Trump’s legal team has attempted to have Judge Merchan recused from the case. Last year, they made a similar effort based on political contributions made by the judge to Democrats, his role in overseeing the Trump Organization trial, and his daughter’s work as a political consultant. However, Merchan declined to recuse himself and expressed firm confidence in his ability to remain fair and impartial.
Defense Alleges Changed Circumstances and Financial Conflict
In their recent letter, Trump’s lawyers argued that the circumstances of the trial have changed since the judge’s previous ruling. They pointed out that Trump is now the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election and emphasized the role of Judge Merchan’s daughter as a political consultant. They expressed concern that ongoing developments in Trump’s criminal trial could create opportunities for fundraising by the consulting firm.
Prosecutors Dispute Claims of Financial Conflict
Prosecutors countered the defense’s allegations, stating that there is no direct financial conflict between the judge and his daughter’s consulting firm, Authentic Campaigns. They argued that the defense’s claims rely on multiple speculative and hypothetical scenarios and do not provide concrete evidence of a direct connection between the firm and the ongoing trial. They urged the court to deny the defense’s request for recusal.
Background of the Hush Money Trial
Last April, Trump pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment that alleged he falsified business records connected to a hush money payment made by his former attorney, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just days before the 2016 presidential election. The jury selection for the trial is scheduled to commence on April 15 in New York City.
ABC News’ Soo Rin Kim contributed to this report.
