Conservative Media Criticizes Judge in Trump Trial, While Liberals Focus on Case Details

For weeks, conservative media has been fixated on Justice Juan M. Merchan, the judge presiding over the Manhattan criminal trial of former President Donald J. Trump.

Following Justice Merchan's formal gag order against the former president, which prohibited attacks on individuals involved in the trial, including jurors and witnesses, right-wing commentators, particularly on Fox News, have relentlessly criticized the judge. They have portrayed his rulings as biased, criticized his modest donations to Democrats in 2020, and questioned his impartiality due to his daughter's profession as a Democratic political consultant.

In contrast, liberal media outlets have directed less attention towards Justice Merchan, choosing instead to focus on the charges against Mr. Trump and his associates. Smaller liberal outlets, however, have commended Justice Merchan for his firm stance against Mr. Trump’s attacks.

Media Discourse

The uproar surrounding the judge has exposed the sharp partisan divide in the media's coverage of the trial, with conservative platforms honing in on Justice Merchan's personal and professional connections, while liberal outlets emphasize the legal aspects of the case.