Judge Juan Merchan Rejects Trump’s Third Recusal Request in New York Hush Money Case

Donald Trump's bid for a new judge in his New York hush money case has been denied for the third time by Judge Juan M Merchan. The judge dismissed claims of a conflict of interest due to his daughter's political ties. The case continues towards a key ruling and potential sentencing.

Donald Trump has lost his latest attempt to secure a new judge in his New York hush money criminal case as it heads toward a crucial ruling and potential sentencing next month.

Judge Juan M Merchan, in a decision posted Wednesday, declined to recuse himself, calling Trump's demand a rehash "rife with inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims" regarding Merchan's daughter's political connections and his ability to judge the case fairly.

This marks the third time Merchan has rejected such a request from Trump's legal team. Lawyers for the former president have repeatedly argued that Merchan has a conflict of interest due to his daughter's work as a political consultant for prominent Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris. However, a state court ethics panel previously stated that Merchan could continue on the case, noting that a relative's independent political actions do not undermine the judge's impartiality.

(With inputs from agencies.)