In a recent development, New York Judge Juan Merchan has once again rejected former President Donald Trump's request for his recusal in a criminal trial, citing no conflict of interest. This decision marks the third time Merchan has declined Trump's plea, maintaining his impartiality and commitment to preside over the case as it moves towards sentencing in September.

Trump's legal team has been vocal about their concerns, focusing on Judge Merchan's daughter, Loren, who works at Authentic, a progressive digital agency. The agency has Democratic clients, including President Biden and Vice President Harris, whom Trump is running against in the 2024 election. However, Authentic's founder clarified in a letter posted on social platform X that Harris's current presidential campaign is not a client and Loren's involvement with political clients is minimal.

Despite these arguments, Judge Merchan dismissed Trump's claims, stating, "Defendant's arguments are nothing more than a repetition of stale and unsubstantiated claims." Earlier this year, Merchan twice rejected similar requests prior to Trump's high-profile trial. In light of Biden stepping aside from running for reelection and Harris emerging as the Democratic nominee, Trump's legal team made a renewed effort to seek Merchan's recusal.

In their request, Trump's attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, argued that Merchan's daughter has a long-standing relationship with Harris, including campaign work, and stands to gain financially and professionally from this relationship. However, Merchan firmly stated that there is no conflict of interest, referencing guidance provided by a state ethics advisory committee last year. He emphasized, "Recusal is therefore not necessary, much less required."

Reacting to the ruling, Trump expressed frustration on social media platform Truth Social, lamenting his gag order which restricts him from attacking the judge's daughter and others involved in the case. He referred to it as "the real Fascist 'stuff,' reminiscent of the old Soviet Union."

Judge Merchan has faced criticism for making political contributions totaling $35 to the Biden campaign and two liberal-leaning groups, including one named "Stop Republicans." Although these donations occurred before his involvement in Trump's hush money case, ethics rules prohibit New York judges from making political contributions.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized Merchan, stating, "The Highly-Conflicted Judge should have long ago recused himself from this case." Despite these allegations, Merchan presided over Trump's trial earlier this year, resulting in a jury finding him guilty on all 34 counts.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) has defended Merchan against Trump's attempts to recuse him, labeling the latest effort as "vexatious and frivolous." Bragg's office maintains that no new facts or changes in the law justify a different outcome. Trump is scheduled for sentencing on September 18, unless Merchan retracts the verdict due to the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity. A ruling is expected just prior to sentencing, and Trump has pledged to appeal if the case proceeds further.