Lawyers representing former US President Donald Trump have asked Judge Joan Murchin to recuse herself from presiding over the criminal case against the former president.
In court filings, Trump’s lawyers argued that Merchan had a conflict of interest and showed bias against Trump. They claimed that Murchan’s daughter works for a digital agency whose clients include Democratic officials, creating a real or perceived conflict of interest.
The lawyers also pointed out that Murchan had urged Alan Wesselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, to cooperate against Trump in a previous case.
Additionally, Trump’s lawyers asked Murchan to publicly explain his political contributions, as records show he made three donations to Democratic causes during the 2020 presidential campaign. Lawyers argued that these facts show that Murchan is not impartial and should recuse himself from the case.
Trump’s criminal trial is scheduled for next March. The judge has not yet responded to a request for comment, and the Manhattan district attorney’s office said prosecutors would respond in court papers.
In April, Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records related to alleged hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign to cover up allegations of an extramarital affair. The indictment made Trump the first former president to face criminal charges.
Trump’s lawyers had previously requested Merchan’s return in the lawsuit against the Trump Organization, but the judge refused to step aside. The decision to withdraw rests with Murchan himself, and if he rejects the request, Trump’s lawyers could raise the issue on appeal if Trump is convicted.
The former president extended the defense’s motion for immunity to Trump’s criticism of Murchin and his family, alleging political bias because the judge’s daughter worked for Democratic politicians. Trump and his allies have portrayed the prosecution as part of a Democrat-led “witch hunt.”
The recall request comes as Trump is considered a leading contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election. The outcome of the criminal case could potentially affect his political future and his potential rematch with President Joe Biden.
