President-elect Donald Trump has expressed sharp criticism of Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over his hush money case, following the judge's decision to proceed with sentencing despite Trump's recent election victory. The Hill reported that Trump has argued the case to be politically orchestrated and believes he should have immunity as the president-elect.
On January 10, Judge Juan Merchan is set to commence sentencing for Trump’s case, involving a 34-count felony conviction connected to payments made to an adult film star during the 2016 election.
Despite the judge's inclination to suggest no punishment due to the existing Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, Trump has vocally opposed continuing with the proceedings. He has publicly called for the dismissal of his case and leveled criticism directly at Judge Merchan.
Trump has been outspoken in his characterizations of the judge, describing Merchan as "the most conflicted judge in New York State history."
He further alleged, "I never falsified business records. It is a fake, made up charge by a corrupt judge who is just doing the work of the Biden/Harris Injustice Department, an attack on their political opponent, ME!" Such declarations underscore Trump's belief that the case is being used as a political weapon against him.
The president-elect has not only criticized Merchan but also attributed the legal action to current political leadership, asserting, in various posts, that the Biden and Harris administration is responsible for the scrutiny he faces. Trump's legal team has been actively working to argue for the case's dismissal by emphasizing his status as president-elect.
The backdrop to these developments includes Trump's earlier legal battles with DOJ special counsel Jack Smith. Trump has highlighted his successes in those skirmishes, pointing out that Smith's cases against him were dismissed after he secured victory in the 2024 election against Vice President Harris.
Trump’s narrative includes the notion that his ongoing legal issues stem from biased actions by the Biden administration.
In discussing the judge, Trump did not hold back, labeling Merchan as "totally out of control" and a "Trump hating judge." He raised demands for repercussions, stating, "The judge should be disbarred! This is why people, and companies, are FLEEING New York," marking it as indicative of a "corrupt court system."
Trump's critique extends beyond the specific legal case, as he described himself as "evilly and illegally treated" compared to any other past president.
He claimed that corrupt judges and prosecutors have unduly targeted him because of his political aspirations, aiming to tarnish the "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN" ideology.
Trump’s grievances are wide-ranging, with the president-elect stating, "Corrupt judges, or judges so blinded by their hatred of me and my political ideology," are severely undermining the United States Judicial System.
Trump's blunt assertions make it clear that he perceives these actions as attempts to mock the judicial process both domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, detailing past interactions with Jack Smith, Trump noted, "Deranged Jack Smith, the evil and sinister prosecutor appointed by Crooked Joe Biden to 'take me down,' was found to be illegally appointed by a CORRUPT DOJ and FBI, and all of his many charges against me were dropped or dismissed."
He also reflected on what he termed the "illegal raid" of his Mar-a-Lago residence, calling it one of the dirtiest political maneuvers executed by Biden. Despite the ongoing disputes and sharp criticisms, Trump has maintained confidence in the justice system's future.
He concluded with confidence, "With all of this said, I still have confidence that the Appellate Courts will bring JUSTICE TO AMERICA!!!" Trump's mixed assessment of the judicial system suggests a desire for vindication through higher courts.
