Simple Smart Seminar
  • Stock
  • Investing
  • Politics
  • Tech News
  • Editor’s Pick
Politics

House Republicans call for investigation into Obama-appointed judge in Trump funding case

by July 1, 2025
July 1, 2025 0 comment

A pair of Republican oversight hawks escalated a complaint on Tuesday about a district court judge who is presiding over one of the Trump administration’s cases, alleging the judge has a financial conflict of interest.

Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman and member of the House Judiciary Committee, respectively, asked the judicial council for the First Circuit Court of Appeals to investigate Judge John McConnell, according to a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

McConnell, an Obama appointee, has been presiding over a pivotal funding freeze case in Rhode Island brought by 22 states with Democratic attorneys general. The case centers on the Office of Management and Budget’s order in January that federal agencies implement a multibillion-dollar suspension of federal benefits.

The states’ lawsuit argued the funding freeze was illegal because Congress had already approved the funds for use. McConnell agreed with the states and blocked the administration from suspending the funds, and the case is now sitting before the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

McConnell wrote in an order in March that the Trump administration’s funding suspension ‘fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government.’ 

The judge said the freeze lacked ‘rationality’ and showed no ‘thoughtful consideration of practical consequences’ because it threatened states’ ‘ability to provide vital services, including but not limited to public safety, health care, education, childcare, and transportation infrastructure.’

Issa and Jordan said McConnell’s long-standing leadership roles with Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit that has received millions of dollars in federal and state grants, raised the possibility of a judicial ethics violation.

‘Given Crossroads’s reliance on federal funds, Judge McConnell’s rulings had the effect of restoring funding to Crossroads, directly benefitting the organization and creating a conflict of interest,’ Jordan and Issa wrote.

Their letter was directed to Judge David Barron, chief judge of the First Circuit and chair of the First Circuit Judicial Council.

McConnell was quick to become one of Trump’s judicial nemeses when he became involved with the funding freeze case. His initial order blocking the freeze and subsequent orders to enforce his injunction and unfreeze FEMA funds fueled criticism from Trump’s allies.

The Trump-aligned group America First Legal has been highlighting McConnell’s ties to Crossroads Rhode Island for months through its own investigation and complaint to the First Circuit.

Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., filed articles of impeachment against the judge in March, though impeachment as a solution for judges with whom Republicans take issue has not garnered widespread support among the broader Republican conference.

Vocal Trump supporter Laura Loomer targeted the judge’s daughter on social media, and X CEO Elon Musk elevated her grievance on his platform.

One of McConnell’s local newspapers, the Providence Journal, described the judge as a man ‘well-known’ in Democratic political circles and a major donor to Democratic politicians and organizations before he was confirmed to the bench in 2011.

McConnell included Crossroads Rhode Island and his membership as a board member in his recent public annual financial disclosure reports. No parties in the case have actively sought his recusal at this stage.

An aide for the judge did not respond to a request for comment.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
previous post
‘Only the beginning’: Trump admin releases data showing federal workforce slashed since January
next post
Tax cuts, work requirements and asylum fees: Here’s what’s inside the Senate’s version of Trump’s bill

You may also like

Israel accepts Trump-led ceasefire plan that could end...

July 2, 2025

MAGA law group fights to expose how Biden’s...

July 2, 2025

Probe into Biden’s alleged mental decline cover-up deepens...

July 2, 2025

Elon Musk claims of ‘pork’ in bill not...

July 1, 2025

Trump to meet with Netanyahu as he pushes...

July 1, 2025

Trump urges House Republicans to ignore ‘grandstanders’ and...

July 1, 2025

Why Justice Jackson is a fish out of...

July 1, 2025

House kicks off final sprint for Trump’s ‘big...

July 1, 2025

Tax cuts, work requirements and asylum fees: Here’s...

July 1, 2025

‘Only the beginning’: Trump admin releases data showing...

July 1, 2025

    Fill Out & Get More Relevant News


    Stay ahead of the market and unlock exclusive trading insights & timely news. We value your privacy - your information is secure, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Gain an edge with hand-picked trading opportunities, stay informed with market-moving updates, and learn from expert tips & strategies.

    Recent Posts

    • Top 10 July 2025 Stock Picks You Shouldn’t Miss

      July 1, 2025
    • S&P 500 Earnings for 2025 Q1 — Still Overvalued

      July 1, 2025
    • Tech Stocks Lead the Charge: What’s Driving the Momentum?

      July 1, 2025
    • Is This Rally Sustainable? You Better Bet Your Bullish Sweet Dollar It Is!

      June 30, 2025
    • Pullbacks & Reversals: Stocks Setting Up for Big Moves!

      June 30, 2025
    • The Best Five Sectors, #25

      June 30, 2025
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 simplesmartseminar.com | All Rights Reserved

    Simple Smart Seminar
    • Stock
    • Investing
    • Politics
    • Tech News
    • Editor’s Pick