America First Legal sues NY ethics commission over bias against Trump

America First Legal has initiated a lawsuit against Judge Juan Merchan, alleging political bias in his handling of Donald Trump's case regarding hush money payments. The organization claims that Merchan's financial disclosures, which they requested in June, have not been provided, raising concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest. They argue that judicial financial disclosures are essential for ensuring fairness in legal proceedings, especially given Merchan's past political contributions against Trump. The lawsuit highlights that Merchan's daughter leads a political consultancy that opposes Trump, which AFL believes compromises the judge's impartiality. They assert that Merchan's rulings during the trial were biased and legally questionable, contributing to Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts. AFL contends that these factors should have disqualified Merchan from presiding over the case. As the sentencing date approaches on September 18, AFL emphasizes the importance of public confidence in the judicial system. They argue that Merchan's continued involvement undermines this confidence, particularly in light of his alleged political affiliations and financial support for anti-Trump causes. In addition to AFL's concerns, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is investigating the broader implications of the case, questioning the Department of Justice's role in the prosecution of a prominent presidential candidate. The situation raises significant questions about the intersection of politics and the legal system, particularly regarding the fairness of judicial proceedings in high-profile cases.