Trump’s Legal Battle Over Judge Nomination in Hush-Money Case
New York– Donald Trump has lost his latest nomination for a new judge in a hush-money case, with key rulings and possible sentencing due next month.
Judge Merchan Refuses to Step Down Amid Conflict of Interest Allegations
Judge Juan M. Merchan refused to step down on Wednesday, rejecting a third such request from attorneys for the Republican presidential candidate. They argued that Merchin had a conflict of interest due to his daughter’s political involvement with prominent Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
Ethics Panel Clears Merchant, Defense Claims Concerns Are Specific
A state court ethics panel ruled last year that Merchant could proceed with the case, stating that the relative’s political activity does not affect the judge’s impartiality. Despite this, Trump’s lawyer raised specific concerns as Harris became Trump’s Democratic opponent in the upcoming election.
Prosecutors dismissed the defense’s claims as unwarranted and frivolous attempts to challenge the judge’s neutrality.
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