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Former President Trump criticized New York Judge Juan Merchan, accusing him of thinking he is above the Supreme Court after being barred from attending arguments on presidential immunity. Trump told Fox News Digital that this is the most significant case in many years before the high court.
Trump spoke to Fox News Digital on Wednesday after spending two days in a Manhattan courtroom for opening arguments and witness testimony in his unprecedented criminal trial.
Trump had requested to attend Supreme Court arguments about his immunity on Thursday, but Merchan, who is overseeing the trial, denied that request.
Trump claimed that Merchan is preventing him from attending the hearing, which features renowned legal scholars, arguing that the case is of great importance to the Supreme Court. He further stated that the ruling could impact the presidency’s role significantly.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on whether Trump is immune from prosecution in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into 2020 election interference.
Trump believes that without presidential immunity, the presidency would become a ceremonial role only, thus reducing its power. He also described Merchan as a radical left Democrat.
Merchan argued that both the Supreme Court hearing and the trial in New York Supreme Court are significant events, insisting that Trump remain in his Manhattan courtroom on Thursday.
A ruling on presidential immunity is anticipated by late June.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Trump criticized the case, stating that legal scholars and experts agree it should not have been brought and that there was no crime involved.
Smith charged Trump with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. These charges stem from Smith’s investigation into Trump’s alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and interference in the 2020 election result. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges in August.
Trump also requested to skip court on May 17 to attend his youngest son Barron’s high school graduation.
Trump expressed frustration at being prohibited from attending Barron’s graduation, calling Merchan a “vicious judge” who is biased against him.
Trump’s legal team had previously sought Merchan’s recusal from the case due to his daughter’s Democrat-affiliated political work.
Merchan rejected the recusal request.
As for Barron’s graduation, Merchan has yet to formally decide on Trump’s request and will base his decision on the trial’s progress.
