New York Rep. Elise Stefanik filed a complaint calling for a conflict-of-interest investigation of Judge Merchan. She cites potential bias in Merchan’s history as a Democrat donor and his daughter’s financial interests.

Many who agree with Stefanik argue the judge's conduct clearly favors the prosecution and he has shown the appearance of prejudging the case before all the evidence was heard. Legal experts from across the political spectrum allege biases which put the fairness of the trial in question.

🚨🚨🚨 I just filed an official misconduct complaint with the New York State Unified Court System related to the “random” assignment of Acting Manhattan Justice Juan Merchan, a Biden donor whose daughter is fundraising millions off his unprecedented work, to criminal cases… pic.twitter.com/OsBjFc3qeI

— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) May 28, 2024

Concerns Over Merchan’s Bias

Many observers, although conservatives are most vocal, express concern over payments made to Loren Merchan, Judge Merchan’s daughter. There are allegations she has received significant amounts of money from prominent Democrats.

Critics argue these monetary transactions indicate a potential bias on the part of Judge Merchan, suggesting he may not be capable of conducting a fair trial. Others argue Merchan’s daughter is likely to financially profit in the case of a Trump conviction. This, they say, is an issue – even if it’s only a perception of compromised incentives.

Democrats tend to argue that Merchan has maintained a neutral stance in the trial. They view him as fair, despite the politically charged nature of the case. They argue Merchan's conduct upholds the integrity of the judicial process and emphasizes that the law should be applied equally to all.

Legal experts on the left insist Judge Merchan's conduct is consistent with judicial norms and ethical standards. This view is starkly and vehemently opposed by experts who present the irregularities of Merchan’s rulings as highly alarming and outside of acceptable judicial practice.

Those who support Stefanik’s misconduct filing call for more complaints against the judge. They express frustration at what they perceive as inaction by Republicans to fight against lawfare by Democrats.

• Sentiment towards Donald Trump is similar overall to topics specifically mentioning his legal troubles. This may suggest most voters are not deeply swayed by the cases against him.

Liberal Hysterics Against Republicans

Mainstream opinions on Elise Stefanik's ethics complaint against Judge Juan Merchan appear to be overwhelmingly negative. This is especially true among liberal Democrats and mainstream media figures.

Liberals accuse Stefanik of prioritizing the interests of former President Trump over the needs of the American people. They view Stefanik's ethics complaint as an extension of her loyalty to Trump rather than as a duty to uphold law and order. Democrats who hope for a Trump conviction use phrases like “hypocrite” and “treacherous” against Stefanik and other Republicans.

There are reverse accusations that Stefanik and Republicans are the ones using lawfare to achieve their political ends. Some bring up Trump and others’ failure to comply with subpoenas as a broader disregard for the rule of law. They use this as an argument against the supposed “law and order” ethos of the Republican Party.

Democrats argue Stefanik is attempting to thwart the legal process, deflecting from accusations against Judge Merchan and other figures who are perceived to be politicized like Letitia James, Engoron, and Fani Willis.

• Despite widespread liberal criticism, Stefanik’s national approval has remained steady, even increasing by one point after filing her ethics complaint.