Former New York City councilman Rubén Díaz had choice words for Democrat-aligned Judge Juan Merchan during former President Donald J. Trump‘s Bronx campaign rally yesterday. Díaz — a Pentecostal minister and Democratic Party member — also apologized to Trump for Judge Merchan’s behavior during the Manhattan hush money trial.
“As a Puerto Rican, as a Hispanic, I want to apologize to you for the conduct of Judge Juan Merchan,” Díaz said while on stage with Trump. He continued: “He has been used to destroy you, but we know better than that.” Díaz and Merchan are both Hispanic.
Díaz, an unconventional Democrat known for his opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, endorsed Trump during his remarks. He referenced the ongoing hush-money trial in Manhattan, where closing arguments are expected early next week. Díaz, much like Trump, was highly critical of Judge Merchan for aiding the Biden government’s lawfare campaign against the former Republican President.
Former President Trump has been limited in what he can publicly say about the hush money trial through a gag order issued by Judge Merchan. The order includes restrictions on Trump discussing witnesses, potential witnesses, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and their families, but it does not prevent comments about Merchan himself or Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Judge Merchan also oversaw the tax fraud trials of two Trump Organization companies and sentenced former CFO Allen Weisselberg to jail following a guilty plea to tax evasion.
WATCH:
Democrat Rubén Díaz Sr. apologizes to President @realDonaldTrump for the conduct of Judge Merchan and then slams @AOC!
“Madam Prophet AOC…you have become a false prophet!”
He tells President Trump:
“Even God wants you in the Bronx!” https://t.co/KwYyqVMqHR pic.twitter.com/6yZs1IFb0R— Lisa Mei (@TheNotoriousLMC) May 24, 2024