New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan denied Donald Trump's request to be excused from his hush-money trial next week, as the former president sought to attend the U.S. Supreme Court hearing on his presidential immunity claims.
Trump's first criminal indictment of four began trial in New York City on Monday, as he faces 34 felony counts, accused of falsifying business records in a hush money payment made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. Monday's hearing kicked off jury selection, although more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed after it was determined they were not impartial.
Toward the end of the hearing, Todd Blanche, Trump's lead defense attorney, requested that the former president be allowed to attend the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for April 25, where justices will hear oral arguments on whether Trump is protected from facing criminal charges for actions he took while in office.
Merchan, who is overseeing the hush-money case, reportedly took a "sharp" tone with Blanche after the question was raised, according to New York Times reporter Jonah Bromwich, who reported from the courtroom Monday. The judge also asked Blanche, "You don't think you should be here at all right now?"
Trump's lawyer responded that the defense team didn't believe the case should have been brought to trial during campaign season. The former president has repeatedly accused prosecutors and judges of attempting to interfere with his 2024 reelection bid by moving forward with his plethora of legal challenges before November.
Merchan then told Blanche that his "client is a criminal defendant" and that he was "required to be here," not at the Supreme Court hearing.
"I will see him here next week," the justice added.
Trump briefly addressed reporters as he left the courthouse on Monday, repeating that the case was a "political witch hunt" against him. The former president has continually attacked Merchan and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office is leading the case against Trump.
"We had some amazing things happen today," Trump said as he approached reporters waiting outside Manhattan Criminal Court, adding that it was a "scam trial."
Trump also bemoaned that Merchan would not allow his absence from court next month either, which would prevent the ex-president from attending his son's high school graduation. Barron, 18, is the youngest of Trump's five children and the only one he shares with former first lady Melania Trump.
"That I can't go to my son's graduation or that I can't go to the United States Supreme Court. That I'm not in Georgia, or Florida, or North Carolina campaigning like I should be," Trump said. "It's perfect for the radical left Democrats. It's exactly what they want."
Merchan has not ruled on whether Trump can be excused from court to attend his son's graduation, saying that it was too early to decide. CNN reported that Barron Trump's ceremony is scheduled for May 17.
"It really depends on if we are on time and where we are in the trial," Merchan told Trump's attorneys in court.
Newsweek reached out to Bragg's office via email for comment Monday evening.
Update 04/15/24, 5:56 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and background.
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