Former Trump attorney William Brennan has lauded Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the New York hush money case involving former President Donald Trump, describing him as a professional and a pleasure to work with.
Despite Trump's frequent accusations of unfairness against Merchan during the hush money trial, Brennan's remarks during a Monday appearance on Fox News's "America Reports'' presented a notably different perspective. He praised both Judge Merchan and prosecutor Joshua Steinglass of the Manhattan District Attorney's office, referring to each as a "pro."
"With over three and a half decades of experience in criminal law across the country, it's been a pleasure to work before him. The professionalism of Judge Merchan and his team, including Steinglass, really makes a difference," Brennan stated.
Brennan, who is not representing Trump in this case but has previously served as Trump's attorney during his second impeachment trial and a payroll tax case, also spoke highly of his interactions with Merchan. "In my personal capacity, having represented the president in other matters, I can say that Judge Merchan has always treated me very well," he noted during the interview.
Brennan emphasized Merchan's qualities, describing him as a gentleman and acknowledging his intelligence and diligent work ethic. "I steer clear of political discussions; it's beyond my scope and I have no political agenda," he added.
Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to reimbursements made to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was allegedly made to suppress claims of an affair, which Trump has consistently denied. Throughout the proceedings, Trump has been openly critical of Merchan, even labeling the judge "crooked" and objecting to a gag order that restricts his ability to insult various parties involved in the trial, although it does not prevent him from critiquing Merchan or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
