Juan Merchan, the judge overseeing former president Donald Trump’s hush-money trial, refused the Trump legal team’s request that he recuse himself on the grounds that he is biased due to his daughter’s work as a Democratic political consultant.
The request came as Merchan, prosecutors, and defense lawyers began the jury-selection process at the courthouse in lower Manhattan. Merchan argued that Trump’s team had not presented evidence of his bias, citing an advisory committee report which found no reason to justify his recusal.
Trump attacked Merchan on social media Monday morning before arriving at the courthouse.
“I want my VOICE back. This Crooked Judge has GAGGED me. Unconstitutional! The other side can talk about me, but I am not allowed to talk about them! Rigged Trial!” Trump wrote on social media.
“Why didn’t they bring this totally discredited lawsuit 7 years ago??? Election Interference!” he added.
The former president continued his tirade outside the courthouse.
