House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan has issued a subpoena to a firm linked to the daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, the presiding judge in Donald Trump’s hush money trial.
On Wednesday, Jordan sent a letter to Michael Nellis, CEO of Authentic Campaigns, which has worked to fundraise for several Democratic figures, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 election. He is demanding information regarding communications between the company and Judge Merchan.
Loren Merchan, Judge Merchan’s daughter, is a partner at Authentic Campaigns. This has led some Trump supporters to call for the judge’s recusal, citing a potential conflict of interest following Trump’s conviction on 34 counts related to falsifying business records.
Jordan is requesting that Nellis provide documents and be deposed about any correspondence between Authentic Campaigns and Judge Merchan as part of the committee’s investigation into what they term the “weaponization” of the federal government.
Nellis has dismissed Jordan’s claims as “completely false and purely politically motivated,” criticizing the investigation as a misuse of power and a waste of taxpayer resources.
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In his letter, Jordan criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for what he views as an unprecedented use of authority against a former president. He raised concerns about Judge Merchan’s impartiality, due to potential conflicts from Loren Merchan’s work with Trump’s political rivals.
Nellis reiterated on social media that the allegations are unfounded and an attempt to distract from Trump’s legal troubles. “We refuse to be bullied,” he declared, noting that his company would be reviewing the subpoena with legal counsel.
Previously, Nellis stated there was nothing his firm could produce regarding communication with Judge Merchan. Despite the multiple requests to recuse, Judge Merchan has maintained his position, stating Trump’s claims are unfounded and repetitive.
Trump is set to be sentenced on September 18 for his conviction, but experts suggest he is unlikely to face jail time.