Donald Trump faced another setback on August 14 as his attempt to recuse Judge Juan Merchan, who is set to sentence him for covering up hush money payments, was denied for the third time. Trump’s lawyers argued that Merchan’s daughter’s work created a conflict of interest, but the judge firmly rejected the claims.
Following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, Trump’s lawyers have requested to overturn the verdict in the hush-money trial where Trump was convicted of 34 felonies. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for September 18, pending the outcome of the next hearing on September 16.
Ethics panel found no issue
Despite a New York state ethics panel finding no issue with Merchan’s involvement in the case, Trump’s legal team persisted in challenging the judge’s independence based on his daughter’s past work. Trump, the first former US president convicted of a crime, is facing multiple trials aimed at delaying the legal process until after the upcoming election.