Trump demands removal of Judge Merchan in meltdown before contempt hearing

 

Donald Trump went on an all-caps tirade demanding the removal of Judge Juan Merchan before a contempt hearing related to his attacks on Truth Social. Facing a criminal trial on 34 felony counts, Trump accused the trial of being a ‘witch hunt’ orchestrated by Democrats and presided over by a conflicted judge. Legal experts noted that Trump’s defiance of a gag order could lead to financial sanctions or even jail time. The former president’s actions were described as showing contempt for the court and the law.

Former President Trump indicated that he is willing to testify in his first criminal trial in Manhattan, which could be a win for the prosecution according to legal experts. Trump’s lawyers have fought against bringing up civil court losses, while prosecutors argue that such information is crucial to assessing Trump’s credibility. The trial is expected to last four to six weeks, with the verdict likely to be issued before the GOP selects its general election nominee.