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AFL Files Lawsuit Against Judge Juan Merchan Over Financial Disclosures
EXCLUSIVE: America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal proceedings against New York State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan. The lawsuit arises from Merchan’s refusal to provide his financial disclosures, which became a point of contention given his daughter’s association with a Democratic political firm, as reported by Fox News Digital.
The lawsuit targets Judge Merchan, who oversaw the trial of former President Donald Trump in a case linked to a lengthy investigation by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. The AFL has also named the New York State Unified Court System’s Ethics Commission in its filings.
In the recent trial, Trump was convicted on all 34 counts concerning the falsification of business records. He has since appealed the verdict and requested that Merchan reconsider the ruling.
The AFL’s actions follow a demand for Merchan’s financial records, which they threatened to pursue through litigation if not provided. This request had initially been made in June.
According to New York law, judges must submit annual financial disclosures, which should be accessible to the public upon request. AFL Vice President Dan Epstein emphasized to Fox News Digital that “the law is clear that judicial financial disclosures must be released to the public.” He pointed out that the highest court in New York has recognized the necessity of such disclosures for ensuring fairness in judicial processes.
Epstein further stated that it is crucial for the public to understand what Judge Merchan may be concealing or whether he has failed to file the necessary disclosures altogether. He raised concerns regarding potential unlawful campaign contributions by Merchan, especially given the gravity of the situation where he is poised to sentence a former president.
Concerns About Conflict of Interest
The AFL is pushing for the release of these financial records amid ongoing worries about a potential conflict of interest involving Judge Merchan, particularly due to his daughter’s political engagements. Loren Merchan serves as president of a company called Authentic Campaigns, which has provided services to prominent Democratic figures, including President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The lawsuit claims, “Clearly, Justice Merchan’s daughter and her clients stand to profit handsomely from lawfare against President Trump.” The AFL has also highlighted that Judge Merchan has previously contributed to Democratic initiatives, such as Biden’s campaign and a group named “Stop Republicans.”
In July 2023, the Commission on Judicial Conduct reprimanded Merchan for making inappropriate political donations, according to the allegations in the lawsuit.
Judicial Impartiality Questioned
The lawsuit underscores the APolitical bias and possible conflicts relating to Judge Merchan’s conduct, especially considering the significant political implications of the trial. Trump’s legal representatives had requested Merchan to recuse himself prior to the trial; however, he opted not to do so, a decision later supported by a New York state ethics panel in June 2023.
Last week, the House Judiciary Committee issued a subpoena to Authentic Campaigns after the company declined to provide documentation linked to the prosecution of Trump. Committee Chairman Jim Jordan raised concerns about Merchan’s impartiality in light of his daughter’s work and his decision not to recuse himself.
The CEO of Authentic Campaigns responded to the subpoena, labeling the allegations against the firm as “completely false and purely politically motivated.” He argued that the actions of House Republicans are an attempt to intimidate and detract from the ongoing discussions surrounding Trump’s conviction.
As the situation develops, Trump’s sentencing has been scheduled for September 18, and he has requested a postponement until after the presidential election in November. A decision from Judge Merchan regarding this delay is still pending.
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