"Judge in Trump Hush Money Trial Faces New Recusal Demand"

Judge Juan Merchan rejected former President Trump's demand to recuse himself from the hush money trial, citing his daughter's employment at a firm that works for prominent Democrats. This decision eliminates a potential last-minute disruption before jury selection. Trump's legal team's motion was based on references and unsupported speculation, and the judge stated he won't reconsider the matter. Trump has repeatedly criticized Merchan and his daughter's employment, but the judge has previously rejected similar recusal motions, citing guidance from a state ethics advisory committee. The trial, in which Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records, is set to proceed despite his objections.