Acting New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan is facing a wave of controversy as he handles high-profile cases involving former President Donald Trump, such as the Trump Organization tax fraud trial. On Wednesday, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) filed an ethics complaint against Judge Merchan, alleging a conflict of interest due to his family’s involvement in Democratic fundraising activities.
Merchan has previously sentenced Trump’s close confidant Allen Weisselberg and overseen legal proceedings against former Trump adviser Steve Bannon. In her complaint, the New York Republican and No. 3 GOP lawmaker in the House stated that Merchan’s daughter, who is the president of the left-wing communications firm Authentic Campaigns, has used her father’s trials as a fundraising tool for Democratic entities.
“Acting Judge Merchan is in clear violation of the Rules of Judicial Conduct for the New York State Unified Court System as his family has enriched itself through anti-Trump fundraising mentioning this case directly. His family’s wealth is directly tied to attacking President Trump,” Stefanik stated in her complaint. She added, “The idea that he is in a position to preside over this trial fairly would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous.”
“The naked corruption on display in Judge Merchan’s courtroom isn’t only a threat to President Trump, but a threat to our justice system and democracy. It is election interference for financial gain and cannot be tolerated. Judge Merchan should have recused himself, but since he’s refused, he must be held accountable for his judicial misconduct.”
The complaint elaborates on concerns regarding the potential impact on the trial’s fairness. It highlights an incident where, following Trump’s indictment, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), a client of Merchan’s firm, reportedly sent out fundraising emails leveraging the legal news. Additionally, the Senate Majority PAC, another client of Authentic Campaigns, initiated a fundraising effort immediately after the indictment, resulting in significant contributions.
In her complaint, Stefanik accused Judge Merchan of allowing his courtroom to become a vehicle for political and financial gain, branding it as “election interference” and a “threat to our justice system and democracy.”
??? I just filed an official judicial complaint with the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct against Acting Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan for his clear violation of the Rules of Judicial Conduct for the New York State Unified Court System due to his family… pic.twitter.com/6JjIv7XpTP
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) May 21, 2024
“It is imperative that New Yorkers and all Americans have confidence that justice is being dispensed fairly in New York,” Stefanik wrote. “This is especially true in politically sensitive cases where bias is most likely to rear its ugly head. Here, we are in the middle of a presidential election campaign. The circumstances are unprecedented: President Trump, a former president and the likely nominee of a major party for the presidency, is on trial.”
“These proceedings are under a microscope. Judge Merchan’s clear conflict of interest, based upon his adult daughter’s financial state in this unprecedented criminal trial, has badly damaged the court’s appearance of impartiality,” she added.
The complaint arises at a crucial point in Trump’s trial, with closing arguments scheduled for next week. Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the prosecution has not proven the falsity of the business records associated with Trump.
With the complaint now filed with the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, attention is centered on whether Merchan’s connections might impact the impartiality of the proceedings. The complaint also cites a previous warning issued to Merchan by the Commission concerning his political donations.
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.