In a total betrayal of his oath to uphold the rule of law, the judge in Donald Trump's hush money case has once again shrugged off a blatant conflict of interest tying him to Trump's Democratic opponents. 

According to independent journalist Julie Kelly, Loren Merchan's consulting company Authentic Campaigns raked in $12.7 million in the first half of 2024, a time period that covers the entirety of Trump's trial. The staggering sum is an 86% increase compared to the same time period in 2022.

Authentic Campaigns has worked for prominent Democrats, including Trump's current electoral opponent, Kamala Harris. But in a ruling this week, Judge Juan Merchan rejected Trump's third request for the judge to recuse himself.

A scandal like this ought to be disqualifying, but Judge Juan Merchan doesn't see it that way.

Trump judge ignores conflict

Trump's lawyers complained in their recusal motion that Merchan's daughter has an "extremely beneficial working relationship" with Harris. Authentic Campaigns was the top vendor for Harris' ill-fated 2020 campaign.

Merchan slapped a gag order on Trump before the trial began and later expanded it to cover Merchan's family, as Trump pressed his complaints about the judge's obvious conflict.

Trump is still under a gag order, even though the trial is over and Trump's electoral opponent, Kamala Harris, has directly cited Trump's conviction in her campaign rhetoric.

Despite the significant change in circumstances since the previous two recusal motions were denied, Merchan dismissed Trump's latest request as a redundant rehash of "stale and unsubstantiated claims."

"Defendant has provided nothing new for this Court to consider," Merchan wrote. "Counsel has merely repeated arguments that have already been denied by this and higher courts."

Sentencing awaits

Adding insult to injury, Merchan claimed to be upholding the rule of law.

"As has been the standard throughout the pendency of this case, this court will continue to base its rulings on the evidence and the law, without fear or favor, casting aside undue influence," Merchan wrote.

Trump's sentencing is set for September 18. Trump has asked the judge to delay sentencing until after the election. Doing so would "reduce, even if not eliminate, issues regarding the integrity of any future proceedings."

Unfortunately, appealing to fairness and integrity is not going to work with Merchan. That much is clear by now.