May 21, 2024

By Alex Miller

 

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik accused the New York judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial of having a conflict of interest because of his daughter’s ties to Democrat-aligned groups.

Ms. Stefanik, New York Republican, filed an ethics complaint against Judge Juan Merchan on Tuesday saying he has a “clear conflict of interest” because his daughter, Loren Merchan, is president of Authentic Campaigns, whose clients are some of Mr. Trump’s biggest opponents.

The congresswoman argued that Judge Merchan’s relationship with his daughter, and drive to see her do well, created a conflict of interest in the courtroom. She called on the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct to open an investigation into his conduct.