New York Justice Juan Merchan blasted Todd Blanche, an attorney for Donald Trump, for suggesting his client should not have to attend his criminal trial next week.
At the conclusion of the first day of Trump's hush money trial, Blanche sought permission for his client to be absent from the courtroom for Wednesday campaign events and to attend a Supreme Court hearing next Thursday.
Merchan initially seemed open to the proposal.
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"Blanche says that the campaign has taken pains to schedule events on Wednesdays and asks Merchan if Trump be excused from any hearings that take place on Wednesdays, when the jury is in recess," Tyler McBrien reported for Lawfare. "Merchan says he will take this into consideration."
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Blanche then pointed out that Trump wanted to attend a Supreme Court hearing on presidential immunity next Thursday. Merchan called the hearing a big deal.
"The Supreme Court is incredibly important. But this Manhattan Supreme Court is also important," Merchan reportedly said.
"We don't think we should have to be here today," Blanche replied.
"You don't think we should be here at all right now?" Merchan fired back. "I have accommodated you enough."
The judge denied the request, suggesting that Trump must attend court next Wednesday and Thursday.
