The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday issued a subpoena to Loren Merchan, daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, amid allegations that her work with former President Donald Trump’s political opponents might have influenced her father’s rulings.
The new development comes as tensions escalate over Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s prosecution of Trump, a case that many argue is politically motivated.
Judge Merchan, who presided over Trump’s criminal trial, has already faced considerable scrutiny. His decision not to recuse himself from the case, despite connections some view as conflicts of interest, has drawn criticism across the political spectrum. However, it is the career of his daughter, Loren Merchan, that has sparked the most controversy. She is the president of Authentic Campaigns, a firm that has worked with some of Trump’s prominent political adversaries, including Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).
The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), is investigating whether her company’s involvement with these political figures constitutes a conflict of interest in the Trump trial.
In a letter, the Committee expressed concerns that Loren Merchan’s firm may have financially benefited from Trump’s prosecution and conviction. They argue that this potential financial interest could have influenced Judge Merchan’s decisions, casting doubt on his impartiality.
SUBPOENAED. https://t.co/k77FbArWBm pic.twitter.com/afbGJb0VLh
— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) August 28, 2024
Did Authentic Campaigns service Donald Trump’s political adversaries?
If yes, whether it’s @JoeBiden, @KamalaHarris, or @RepAdamSchiff, then the owners and people who work at the company can’t have relatives serving as judges in cases against Donald Trump.
Period. pic.twitter.com/UuaLjbFasa
— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) August 16, 2024
The letter, addressed to Authentic Campaigns CEO Michael Nellis, stated, “The Committee is continuing to conduct oversight of politically motivated prosecutions by state and local officials. Popularly elected prosecutors, such as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, have engaged in an unprecedented abuse of authority by prosecuting a former President of the United States and current nominee for that office.”
The letter further states that the Committee believes Loren’s involvement in such a politically charged environment created the appearance of impropriety.
“Did Authentic Campaigns service Donald Trump’s political adversaries? If yes, whether it’s Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or Adam Schiff, then the owners and people who work at the company can’t have relatives serving as judges in cases against Donald Trump. Period,” the committee wrote on X earlier this month.
