The hush money trial of Donald Trump is set to begin with jury selection overseen by New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, who has presided over high-profile cases involving Trump and his associates in the past. This trial is the first of the four criminal cases brought against Trump last year. Merchan is known for being a fair but tough judge who maintains control of his courtroom even when dealing with high-profile cases.
Merchan has issued a gag order against Trump to prevent disruptions during the trial, citing a threat to the judicial proceedings. Trump has appealed the gag order, as part of his strategy to delay the trial. Merchan has rejected Trump’s attempts to delay the trial, showing that he is not easily swayed by pressure. Despite Trump’s attacks on Merchan and his family on social media, the judge has remained focused on the integrity of the trial process.
Trump has a history of attacking individuals involved in his legal cases, including judges overseeing them. Merchan has been described by Trump as a “certified Trump hater,” leading to tensions between the two. Trump singled out Merchan’s daughter in attacks, claiming she has ties to top Democrats. Merchan has rejected requests for recusal based on his daughter’s work, maintaining his ability to be fair and impartial in the case.
Merchan has shown his tough side in past cases, such as sentencing Trump associate Allen Weisselberg and presiding over Steve Bannon’s criminal fraud case. He has also handled other high-profile cases, showing a range of experiences in his judicial career. While he may be tough in handling criminal cases, he is also known for his compassionate rulings in mental health court cases, giving defendants second chances.
Merchan’s legal career began in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office before moving on to the state attorney general’s office and eventually becoming a judge. He was appointed to various positions by both Republican and Democratic officials, showcasing his bipartisan support. Born in Colombia, Merchan immigrated to the US as a child and became the first in his family to attend college and earn a law degree. Despite challenges, he has risen through the ranks to become a respected judge in New York.
