Trump’s First Criminal Trial: Meet Judge Juan Merchan

The commencement of former President Donald Trump’s initial criminal trial in Manhattan, featuring jury selection, has cast a spotlight on Judge Juan Merchan, who has become a focal point of Trump and his allies’ scrutiny. Merchan’s background reveals a story of resilience and perseverance. He arrived in the United States from Colombia at the age of six, and his formative years were spent in New York, where he began working at the age of nine, collecting tips by assisting with groceries.

Merchan’s academic journey culminated in a business degree from Baruch College in 1990, followed by a law degree from Hofstra University in 1994. Subsequently, he embarked on a legal career, serving as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan for five years before transitioning to the state attorney general’s office.

In 2006, Merchan was appointed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to the Bronx Family Court. His judicial career progressed further when he was appointed as a judge in Manhattan in 2009. Throughout his tenure, Merchan has presided over several high-profile cases, including the criminal fraud case involving former Trump aide Steve Bannon and the 2022 criminal tax fraud trial of the Trump Organization.

Merchan’s assignment to Trump’s trial is part of the rotational system of judges in the Manhattan court. Following Trump’s indictment last year, which alleged falsified business records related to payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, Merchan and his family received numerous threats. The judge has also been subjected to criticism from Trump on Truth Social, prompting Merchan to issue a gag order against the former president.

Trump has accused Merchan of bias, citing the judge’s $35 in political contributions to Democratic candidates in 2020 and the employment of Merchan’s daughter at a digital marketing firm that collaborates with Democrats. Merchan’s experiences are not unique among judges overseeing cases linked to Trump. Judge Arthur Engoron, who presided over Trump’s civil fraud trial, also faced threats and criticism, including a bomb threat and a letter containing white powder.

Trump’s criminal trial is the culmination of a lengthy investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office into a “hush money” scheme involving Stormy Daniels. Despite pleading not guilty to 34 felony counts, including falsifying business records, Trump has not been directly charged for the “hush money” payment or subsequent reimbursement. The trial signifies a significant legal battle for both Trump and the justice system, with Merchan ensuring a fair and impartial process.