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In response to Judge Juan Merchan’s imposition of a gag order on him in his upcoming criminal trial, former President Donald Trump lashed out at the judge’s daughter, Loren Merchan, for her social media activity. Trump expressed frustration on Truth Social, claiming that Loren’s actions were making it impossible for him to receive a fair trial. He further criticized the judge, alleging that Merchan suffered from an acute case of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and accused him of being biased, conflicted, and attempting to deprive him of his rights.
Trump also called for the judge to recuse himself, citing Loren’s association with Democratic figures such as Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Adam Schiff. However, a court spokesman clarified that Loren had deleted her social media account approximately a year ago, and the current account attributed to her was not under her control.
Despite the gag order being aimed at preventing Trump from attacking court staff, witnesses, jurors, and prosecutors, he continued to publicly criticize the judge and the trial, labeling it as biased and politically motivated. Trump’s legal team attempted to argue for Merchan’s recusal based on Loren’s past employment at a marketing agency that supports Democratic candidates. However, a judicial ethics committee deemed the judge’s impartiality unquestionable.
The trial, in which Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, is of significant historical significance, being the first instance of a former President facing criminal charges. Trump has vehemently denounced the trial as a “witch hunt” and accused the court of interfering in the election process. Despite attempts by his legal team to dismiss or delay the trial, the proceedings are scheduled to commence on April 15, with Trump expressing concerns about the potential lack of impartiality among the jury selection process, especially in the heavily Democratic borough of Manhattan.