A New York judge has denied President-elect Donald Trump’s request to dismiss charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, ruling presidential immunity does not apply to Trump’s alleged conduct.
Judge Juan Merchan issued the ruling Monday, stating the evidence presented involved “entirely unofficial conduct” and does not merit immunity protections. Merchan added that even if parts of the evidence fell within Trump’s official duties, it “poses no danger” to the authority of the executive branch.
🚨 Judge Merchan denies Trump immunity, calling his conduct 'unofficial.' Overwhelming evidence or overwhelming bias?
I wish this judge didn’t have such a personal vendetta against Trump." 🇺🇸 ⬇️ https://t.co/LHCHnjkLlc
— Tony Lane 🇺🇸 (@TonyLaneNV) December 17, 2024
The decision follows arguments from Trump’s legal team, which cited the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity for official acts. Todd Blanche, Trump’s lead attorney, criticized the inclusion of testimony from former White House aides and other evidence related to Trump’s time in office.
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung condemned Merchan’s ruling, calling it “lawless” and a violation of the Constitution. “President Trump must be allowed to focus on the presidential transition without obstruction from this witch hunt,” Cheung said.
Trump’s case stems from Bragg’s investigation into alleged falsification of business records, with 34 felony charges filed against the president-elect. Trump has pleaded not guilty, dismissing the charges as politically motivated. His legal team continues to argue that the prosecution represents election interference designed to harm his presidency.
NEW: Juan Merchan denies Trump’s 3rd motion to recuse based on his daughter’s growing and thriving Dem consulting business.
Loren Merchan had banked at least $13 million this year, a haul that coincided with Daddy’s trial of Donald Trump: pic.twitter.com/7kU4FtZGUW
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) August 14, 2024
HOLY SH*T: In a new filing denying Trump's claims of immunity, Judge Juan Merchan calls Jack Smith's J6 case against Trump in DC the "FEDERAL INSURRECTION MATTER."
Can someone send this clown a copy of the indictment? pic.twitter.com/IZDs9SD4Bs
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) April 3, 2024
While Merchan’s latest ruling is a setback for Trump, his attorneys are still pushing for the case to be dismissed entirely. They insist Bragg’s attempt to delay proceedings until after Trump’s second term is unreasonable and undermines justice.
The legal fight underscores Trump’s broader claims of political persecution, as he prepares to take office following his decisive win in the November election.
