Trump's Lawyers Renew Bid to Oust Judge in Criminal Case, Citing Daughter's Ties to Harris

In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump's legal team has revived their efforts to remove the judge presiding over his criminal case, accusing Manhattan Justice Juan Merchan of ruling in the interests of his daughter and Vice President Kamala Harris. The lawyers claim that Merchan's daughter's "longstanding relationship" with Harris, including work on political campaigns, presents a conflict of interest that warrants the judge's recusal.

Lawyers Allege Conflict of Interest Amid Harris' Nomination

Renewed Recusal Bid Cites Daughter's Ties to Harris

Trump's lawyers have filed a new motion seeking to have Merchan recused from the case, citing the recent development of Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. They argue that Merchan's daughter's work for Harris' campaigns, both past and present, creates a financial, professional, and personal incentive for the judge to rule in the vice president's favor.The lawyers claim that Merchan's daughter has "obtained — and stands to obtain in the future — extensive financial, professional and personal benefits from her relationship with Harris." They contend that this relationship presents a clear conflict of interest that undermines the judge's impartiality.

Previous Recusal Efforts Denied

This is not the first time Trump's team has sought Merchan's recusal. The judge has previously denied two similar efforts, describing the allegations of his daughter's influence as "at best strained and at worst baseless." In a previous ruling, Merchan cited a June 2023 advisory opinion from a state judicial ethics committee that determined his impartiality could not "reasonably be questioned."However, Trump's lawyers argue that the change in the presidential race, with Harris now the presumptive Democratic nominee, presents a "new concrete reason" for Merchan's recusal. They claim that the judge's daughter's work for Harris' campaigns, both past and present, creates a clear conflict of interest that warrants his removal from the case.

Gag Order Restricts Trump's Ability to Respond

Adding to the controversy, Trump's lawyers have also criticized the gag order imposed by Merchan, which bars the former president from publicly attacking the judge's daughter and other members of the prosecution team. They argue that this order "continues to restrict President Trump's ability to respond to Harris and address these topics with the American people."The lawyers contend that the gag order, which was upheld by an appeals court, prevents Trump from effectively addressing the alleged conflict of interest and the implications of Merchan's daughter's relationship with Harris. They claim this restriction on Trump's free speech rights is "unjust and unconstitutional."

Trump Convicted on 34 Felony Counts

The renewed recusal bid comes after Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a scheme to hide rumors of his extramarital affairs from the voting public. A panel of 12 New Yorkers found the former president guilty, making him the first U.S. president to be criminally convicted.Trump has also filed additional arguments in an effort to have his conviction overturned, which Merchan is set to rule on by September 6th. If the conviction stands, the former president is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18th.The case has been closely watched, with the potential for significant political and legal implications as the 2024 presidential race unfolds. The latest developments in the recusal battle add another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes legal drama.