Topic: Juan Merchan

Judge Juan Merchan delivered an unconditional discharge for Donald Trump's 34 felony convictions, citing his status as President-elect. While Trump avoids jail and fines, he remains a convicted felon, which the hosts note could theoretically restrict his travel to 38 countries. They discuss Governor Ron DeSantis's pledge to protect Trump's voting rights in Florida despite the conviction.

Attorneys for Donald Trump have requested that Judge Juan Merchan dismiss the New York "hush money" conviction, citing President Biden's own comments about DOJ corruption. The defense argues that if the sitting President believes the justice system is being used for political targeting, the same logic should apply to the cases against the President-elect. Sentencing in the New York case remains indefinitely postponed.

ABC News reports on Donald Trump's conviction on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York. The report highlights Trump's reaction alongside lawyer Todd Blanche, the testimony of Michael Cohen, and Judge Juan Merchan's gratitude toward the jury. The sentencing date is set for July 11, 2024, just days before the Republican National Convention.

Congressman Byron Donalds raises concerns about Judge Juan Merchan's daughter, Loren Merchan, whose firm does work for Democratic clients. He argues this creates a vested interest in a conviction and should have led to the judge's recusal. The NBC anchor attempts to pivot the conversation to the ethics controversies surrounding Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.