The New York judge presiding over the criminal case against Donald J. Trump in Manhattan has declined to remove himself from the proceedings, a loss for the former president as he anticipates a potential fourth indictment this week.
Mr. Trump was charged with 34 felonies in March in a case brought by the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
The district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, accused Mr. Trump of falsifying records to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star that was made during the 2016 presidential campaign.
In late May, Mr. Trump’s lawyers asked the judge, Juan M. Merchan, to recuse himself from the case.
They noted that, during the 2020 presidential campaign, Justice Merchan had donated $15 to Mr. Trump’s opponent, Joseph R. Biden Jr., raising the potential appearance of bias.
Persons:
Donald J, Trump, Alvin L, Bragg, Mr, Juan M, Merchan, Joseph R, Biden
Organizations:
Trump, Mr
Locations:
York, Manhattan