WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has intensified his attacks against the daughter of the judge presiding over his hush-money criminal trial in New York. Trump has repeatedly cited her Democratic ties in an attempt to have the judge removed from the case. In response, Judge Juan Merchan has broadened an existing gag order, citing Trump’s “dangerous rhetoric” that threatens the integrity of the upcoming trial set to begin on April 15. Trump had pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts in relation to allegations of falsifying business records to cover up hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump’s recent attacks on Merchan’s daughter, Loren Merchan, have attracted attention due to her connections with prominent Democratic politicians. However, Trump’s claim that she tweeted a doctored image of him in prison has been discredited, as it was found to be an imposter trying to frame her. Despite this, Trump’s lawyers are using Loren Merchan’s political ties to argue for her father’s removal from the case, claiming that the trial will benefit her financially. They argue that her company, Authentic Campaigns, has been involved in fundraising that references the hush-money case.
The judge’s decision to impose stricter restrictions on Trump’s public remarks comes in response to New York prosecutors flagging his recent posts and requesting a stronger gag order. The new restrictions prevent Trump from publicly attacking the judge’s family or the family members of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. These additional measures have been added to the existing gag order, which already prohibits Trump from discussing potential witnesses and members of the courtroom staff. CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson has supported the judge’s decision, stating that Trump’s rhetoric poses a threat to the integrity of the judicial proceedings.
It is worth noting that Trump has a history of attacking witnesses and bashing judges when he disagrees with their testimony or rulings. His targeting of Loren Merchan and his attempts to question her father’s impartiality are part of a larger pattern. Despite the discredited claims and the lack of evidence linking her to the tweets, Trump’s lawyers continue to use her political connections as grounds for disqualifying Judge Merchan from the case. However, this tactic failed in the past when Judge Merchan sought a recommendation from the New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics, which concluded that his impartiality could not be reasonably questioned based on his daughter’s business and political activities.
As the first-ever criminal trial of a former American president, the case has drawn significant attention. The role of Loren Merchan and her connection to Authentic Campaigns have become focal points in the trial. While the exact extent of her involvement with the company remains unclear, it is evident that Authentic Campaigns has worked for Democratic political candidates, including some of Trump’s most vocal opponents. The trial’s outcome will determine whether Trump is found guilty or not guilty of the charges brought against him.