President-elect Donald Trump’s attempt to dismiss charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on immunity grounds was denied Monday by Judge Juan Merchan.
Merchan ruled the case involves Trump’s “unofficial conduct” and therefore is not subject to immunity protections for presidential acts. He further stated that even if some evidence related to official duties, it did not compromise executive power.
Trump’s legal team previously pointed to the Supreme Court’s decision affirming presidential immunity for official acts. Attorney Todd Blanche argued evidence, including testimony from former aides and Trump’s official actions, should have been excluded.
🚨 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
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung blasted Merchan’s decision, calling it a “lawless violation of Supreme Court precedent.” He added, “The Constitution demands this case be dismissed so President Trump can focus on leading the nation.”
Trump maintains his innocence, calling the case part of a politically driven “witch hunt.” The charges include 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, to which Trump pleaded not guilty.
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
The legal battle highlights the clash between Trump’s claims of immunity and Bragg’s determination to prosecute. While Merchan denied the dismissal request, Trump’s formal motion to throw out the case entirely remains unresolved.
