CNN —The judge overseeing Donald Trump’s criminal trial related to hush money payments said he will not recuse himself from the case, rejecting the former president’s latest attempt to remove him ahead of his sentencing next month.
Trump has repeatedly sought to remove Judge Juan Merchan from the proceedings, citing work the judge’s daughter has done for Democratic campaigns.
In denying Trump’s motion, the judge wrote, “this court now reiterates for the third time, that which should already be clear – innuendo and mischaracterization do not a conflict create.”The judge said Trump has offered no new facts to warrant another review.
“Counsel has merely repeated arguments that have already been denied by this and higher courts,” Merchan wrote in his decision.
“President Trump will continue to fight this scam, and will always do all he can to save this great country from the dangerously liberal Harris-Biden mess.”This story has been updated with additional reaction.
Persons:
Donald Trump’s, Trump, Juan Merchan, ” Merchan, Merchan, ” Steven Cheung, “, ” Cheung, Harris, Biden, CNN’s Paula Reid
Organizations:
CNN, Democratic, White