Former President Donald Trump expressed his frustration online after Judge Juan Merchan finalized the start date for his criminal hush-money trial in New York. The trial, which involves charges of falsifying business records to conceal payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, is set to begin jury selection on April 15.
Trump’s reaction to the judge’s decision was swift and vitriolic. Taking to his Truth Social page, he launched a scathing attack on everyone involved in the case, including Judge Merchan. Trump accused the judge of harboring personal animosity towards him, writing, “he hates me!” In an attempt to discredit Merchan, Trump also brought up the judge’s daughter, highlighting her senior executive position at a firm with connections to prominent Democrats such as Adam Schiff, the Democrat National Committee, Senate Majority PAC, and Joe Biden.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is prosecuting the case, had previously filed a gag order request to shield those involved in the trial from Trump’s frequent attacks and the subsequent threats from his supporters. However, the request did not include the judge or anyone connected to him, including his daughter. Merchan has yet to grant the gag order, leaving open the possibility of an amended request to expand its scope.
The hush-money case against Trump was initiated last year following a grand jury indictment on 34 felony charges related to falsifying business records. Originally scheduled to commence on Monday, the trial was postponed after Bragg requested additional time to review new documents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This trial is one of four criminal proceedings currently underway against Trump, making it the only one set to proceed before the November election. Trump expressed his frustration at the timing, claiming it was a deliberate attempt to hinder his campaign efforts. He vowed to appeal the judge’s decision.
