Trump’s Proposed Expert Witness Claims Judge ‘Restricted’ Him to Thwart Testimony

Former Federal Election Commission Chairman Brad Smith said on social media that the defense withdrew him after the judge imposed too many restrictions.

Judge Juan M. Merchan (L) in his chambers in New York, on March 14, 2024. Former President Donald Trump (R) at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, on March 25, 2024. Seth Wenig/AP; Spencer Platt/AFP via Getty Images

An election law expert said that he believes the judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial has a “bias” because of an order that limits how expert witnesses can testify in the case.

Brad Smith, who chaired the Federal Election Commission and was appointed to the FEC by former President Bill Clinton, wrote on social media on May 20 that he didn’t testify because of a move made by the Trump team.