Share this @internewscast.com

Donald Trump’s lawyers are making another attempt to have Judge Juan Merchan remove himself from the New York hush money trial.

Like the first time around, attorneys for the former president are pointing to political work that’s been done by the judge’s daughter. But they’re also arguing that a recent gag order against Trump is a factor.

In a letter to Merchan, Trump’s attorneys said there’s an “unacceptable risk” that Merchan’s daughter’s employment with the political firm Authentic Campaigns, which worked with President Joe Biden’s campaign in 2020, will influence the judge’s conduct.

“Your Honor’s daughter is an executive and partner at Authentic Campaigns, Inc. As recently as February and March 2024, Authentic has used social media to market its connections to President Biden and Vice President Harris while deriding President Trump,” they wrote in Monday’s letter that was made public on Tuesday.

The letter also says Merchan “appears to have made extrajudicial comments about the case,” citing comments he made last month to The Associated Press and argued that he “used the Office of Court Administration” to issue a statement about an X account that was associated with his daughter.

The letter asks for permission to file a motion in support of its arguments that includes briefing and evidence on Wednesday.

The court and Authentic Campaigns did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

The letter from Trump’s attorneys was dated the same day that Merchan expanded a partial gag order after Trump attacked his daughter on social media, which Trump’s attorneys said “restricts his ability to engage in protected campaign speech.”

Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office responded on Tuesday, saying Trump “has identified no changed circumstances” that warranted revisiting Merchan’s earlier order denying Trump’s motion seeking his recusal.

“There is simply nothing new here that would alter this Court’s prior conclusion that nothing about this proceeding will directly benefit Authentic or this Court’s family member, let alone this Court,” the DA’s office wrote.

Trump’s attorneys last year filed a motion requesting Merchan’s recusal, citing “significant conflicts” including his daughter’s employment.

During the 2020 election cycle, Merchan’s daughter was listed as president of Authentic, which according to federal campaign finance reports has worked with various Democratic groups.

Merchan refused to recuse himself, noting in an August order that he had consulted with the state courts system’s Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics regarding his daughter’s employment and concluded “this Court has examined its conscience and is certain in its ability to be fair and impartial.”

Trump pleaded not guilty last year after he was indicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.

The trial is scheduled to begin April 15.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
A bitter year for independent voters

Challenging Year for Independent Voters: Navigating Political Turbulence

As election season unfolds in New York City, many residents are gearing…
RIP, Donna Jean Godchaux, the Grateful Dead's Only Female Member

Donna Jean Godchaux, the Grateful Dead’s Sole Female Member, Passes Away

This year has been a challenging one for rock & roll enthusiasts,…
Two girls hospitalized with injuries after falling from Ferris wheel at harvest festival

Two Young Girls Hospitalized Following Ferris Wheel Incident at Harvest Festival

Two young girls were urgently taken to the hospital following an accident…
Former Democrat politician may have fled country with son after allegedly stealing $30K: officials

Ex-Democrat Politician Allegedly Flees Abroad with Son Following $30K Theft Accusation, Say Officials

A former Democratic county commissioner from Oregon is now at the center…
Evanston holding holiday food, book and toy drive

Evanston Launches Community Holiday Drive: Donate Food, Books, and Toys Today!

Evanston, Illinois, is stepping up to support families in need this holiday…
Coca-Cola debuts new flavor for the holidays

Coca-Cola Unveils Exciting New Flavor for the Holiday Season

This holiday season, Coca-Cola is introducing a limited-edition beverage that combines the…
Blue city repeat offender arrested nine times released again despite alleged violent history

Chronic Offender in Blue City Released Once More Despite Alleged Violent Past

A North Carolina resident with a history of multiple arrests is once…
Body of Shinnecock Bay kayaker recovered, 2nd still missing

Tragic Update: Body of Missing Shinnecock Bay Kayaker Found, Search Continues for Second Individual

Late Sunday, authorities discovered the body of one of two kayakers who…
Knicks offseason acquisitions finding footing in Mike Brown’s new offense

Knicks’ Newcomers Thriving Under Mike Brown’s Fresh Offensive Strategy

New York Knicks reserve forward Guerschon Yabusele remains unfazed by his recent…
Escaped monkeys from Mississippi truck crash puts spotlight on NIH-funded Tulane lab

Mississippi Mother Defends Family: Shoots Rampaging Monkey in Self-Defense

A mother in Mississippi recently recounted how she shot and killed one…
Skydio Drones Tested in Gaza Now Swarm American Cities

Skydio Drones, Initially Tested in Gaza, Now Operate Across U.S. Cities

A California drone company whose technology aided Israel’s devastating assault on Gaza…
New York City's mayoral election: Letters

Key Insights from New York City Mayoral Candidates Revealed

The Issue: Polls show Zohran Mamdani in the lead as New Yorkers…