This filing, dated April 3, 2024, calls the fairness of his trial proceedings into question, citing constitutional due process.
The heart of the recusal motion is an alleged conflict of interest due to the judge’s daughter, Loren Merchan, holding a significant stake in Authentic Campaigns, Inc. This company, which is touted as one of the leading vendors for the 2024 election, is predominantly affiliated with Democratic party clients.
President Trump stipulates that due to Authentic Campaigns’ extensive network of influential Democrat clients, which includes President Biden and Vice President Harris, there is an apparent bias against him. He further asserts that several of Authentic’s clients have publicly referenced his ongoing case for their fundraising objectives, implying an interconnected interest that could potentially impact the impartiality of court proceedings.
The motion indicates that Authentic Campaigns has received over $18 million from its clients since the case began. The company stands to financially gain from President Trump’s legal tribulations, thereby creating a potential conflict for the presiding judge due to familial connections.
In the motion, President Trump argues that given his presumptive nomination as a candidate in the upcoming 2024 election, his status as a political target has risen significantly. Consequently, Authentic Campaigns and its constituents stand to profit by maligning President Trump.
In addition, the motion alleges that the presiding judge has issued and expanded a gag order, restricting President Trump’s campaign speech, thereby interrupting the transparency of the process.
In essence, President Trump’s recusal motion contends that the presiding judge should step down from the proceedings due to the alleged direct financial interest resulting from her daughter’s role and ownership stake in Authentic Campaigns.
Read the full filing here: img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/5de1