Judge rejects Trump bid for recusal in DA Bragg case

Acting New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan has rejected former President Donald Trump's call to recuse himself from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's case related to a 2016 payment former Trump attorney Michael Cohen made to Stormy Daniels.

Trump's team had requested that Merchan recuse himself on the basis of his prior rulings related to the former president and his daughter's employment at a left-wing organization. Trump also demanded that Merchan clarify an alleged campaign donation to President Joe Biden.

Merchan, in a 6-page ruling that The Hill obtained, rejected Trump's arguments and concluded that his recusal "would not be in the public interest."

"Further, this Court has examined its conscience and is certain in its ability to be fair and impartial," he concluded. "Defendant's motion for recusal and for an explanation is Denied on all grounds."

The case involves a payment to Daniels that Cohen made to keep her from discussing an alleged affair with the former president. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Bragg's case marked the first-ever indictment against a former president, though special counsel Jack Smith has since brought two separate cases against Trump and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is expected to soon announce charges against him as well.

Trump maintains he is innocent of all wrongdoing and the cases are part of a longstanding political witch hunt designed to derail his 2024 presidential bid.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.