(TargetLiberty.org) – Former President Donald Trump criticized New York Judge Juan Merchan, claiming the judge believes he is “above the Supreme Court” by denying him permission to attend a crucial hearing concerning presidential immunity. This statement came during Trump’s unprecedented criminal trial in Manhattan, where he has faced charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. These include 34 counts of falsifying business records, to which Trump has pleaded not guilty.
The issue at hand arose when Trump wished to be present at the Supreme Court as it considers his immunity regarding actions taken during his presidency, specifically in relation to the 2020 election interference investigation led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. Judge Merchan, however, mandated Trump’s presence in the Manhattan courtroom during the ongoing trial, emphasizing the importance of both venues but prioritizing the New York trial.
Trump expressed strong views to Fox News Digital, asserting that the presidential immunity case was significant for its implications on the presidential role, which he claimed would be “decimated” without such immunity. He also labeled Judge Merchan as a “radical left Democrat” and criticized the legitimacy of the charges against him, suggesting a political bias and calling the situation an “embarrassment” to the Democratic Party and President Joe Biden.
Adding personal grievances, Trump mentioned being prohibited from attending his son Barron’s high school graduation due to the trial schedule, framing it as another example of what he perceives as unjust treatment by a conflicted judge. Trump’s legal team has also called for Merchan’s recusal, citing the judge’s daughter’s involvement with Democrat-affiliated political work through Authentic Campaigns Inc.
The Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity is awaited by late June, while the outcomes of Trump’s requests and ongoing legal challenges remain pending, underscoring the heightened political and legal drama surrounding his cases.
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