Hours after he was criminally charged with 34 courts of falsifying business records in New York City, Donald Trump retreated to his Mar-a-Lago resort to lambast the “Trump-hating” judge presiding over his case in Manhattan criminal court. Now, lawyers for the former president and frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination are pressing Judge Juan Merchan to recuse himself from the case, pointing to his daughter’s political consulting work and small-dollar campaign donations. A court filing made public on 2 June – days after Mr Trump’s virtual court appearance for a hearing to abide by a court order prohibiting his sharing of evidence in the case – also took issue with Mr Merchan’s role in a case involving convicted former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, who pleaded guilty to 15 tax violations in what prosecutors called a years-long fraud scheme. In April, Mr Trump was criminally charged in connection with repayments to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen in an alleged hush-money scheme to prevent the release of potentially damaging stories about Mr Trump and his alleged affairs. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty. Attorney for Mr Trump argued that the judge’s daughter’s political consulting work could be seen as an actual or perceived conflict of interest for the judge, and his potential role in the case could “result in a financial benefit” for his daughter who “stands to profit from negative rulings or a conviction” against Mr Trump. Mr Trump’s lawyers also want Mr Merchan to “put on the record relevant information surrounding what appear to be certain political contributions.” Mr Merchan appears to have donated $15 to President Joe Biden campaign and $20 to two advocacy groups in 2020, according to federal campaign finance records. Mr Trump, Cohen and the former owner of the National Enquirer David Pecker allegedly worked in concert to “identify, purchase, and bury negative information about him and boost his electoral prospects” leading up to the 2016 presidential election, according to prosecutors. The alleged payments were used to cover up sex scandals as part of a “conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election,” according to prosecutors. Hours after he first appeared in criminal court on 4 April, and after the judge warned him against making any incendiary remarks or personal attacks, Mr Trump immediately flew back to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he went on to do just that. “I have a Trump-hating judge, with a Trump-hating wife and family,” he said that night. He called Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg “a local failed district attorney” and a “criminal” who should resign. Prosecutors have argued that a protective order was necessary to keep Mr Trump – who already has repeatedly lashed out at the judge and prosecutors – from broadcasting information about the case before a jury has been selected and a trial begins. Last month, the former president made his first appearance in court since his indictment, appearing on a video screen in front of two American flags with golden fringes seated next to his attorney. Mr Trump, who continues to rely on his online bully pulpit with an audience of obedient followers to broadcast veiled threats and insults at his perceived enemies, is prohibited from disseminating “covered materials” on social media platforms “including, but not limited, to Truth Social, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Snapchat, or YouTube, without prior approval from the court,” according to a protective order issued last month. A trial is set to begin on 25 March 2024 – days after voting begins in presidential primaries. Read More Trump news - live: Classified document noted on tape is reportedly missing as Trump reacts to no Pence charges Trump investigation in Georgia could include other states in sweeping racketeering case, report says Trump and DeSantis must pledge to support eventual White House nominee as first debate announced Trump reacts to report Pence won’t face charges for classified documents: ‘I’m at least as innocent as he is’

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After Chelsea experienced their worst season since the establishment of the Premier League, American owner Todd Boehly has taken significant measures to bring about change at Stamford Bridge. The Blues went through a revolving door of three managers last season, including Thomas Tuchel (now at Bayern Munich), Graham Potter, and interim manager and club legend Frank Lampard. Now, Mauricio Pochettino, who previously led London rivals Tottenham to a Champions League final, will take over the reins and attempt to restore stability to a club that won the Champions League as recently as 2021. This summer, the club has witnessed an astonishing number of departures already, with several key players leaving who played pivotal roles at Stamford Bridge over the past few seasons. Among those having exited are Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Christian Pulisic. These departures mark the beginning of a new era at Chelsea and may be the transformative change required for the club to regain its place in Europe. Here are the latest transfer rumours regarding the Blues: Moises Caicedo With Kovacic, Kante and Mount departing, Chelsea will look to bring in some central midfield replacements. One such player that the Blues may target is Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian was a key player as Brighton finished sixth but has been the subject of much interest from the league’s biggest club. Chelsea’s latest bid of £80m bid has been rejected, with Brighton holding firm on their £100m valuation. It is thought that Brighton would have been willing to accept a deal that also involves Levi Colwill returning to the Amex on a permanent basis after his successful loan spell last year, but that appears unlikely with The Guardian reporting that the 21-year-old is ready to sign a six-year-deal to stay at the London club. Michael Olise After a summer of outgoings so far for the west London club, Chelsea now appear to be turning their focus to incomings as they look to assemble a squad that can improve on last season’s miserable campaign. One player reportedly being eyed up is Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, with RMC Sport suggesting that the Blues have tabled a bid for the French winger. Olise is said to have a £35m release clause in his contract, which runs until 2026, with Chelsea willing to pay above the buyout clause to secure preferable terms of payment for the 21-year-old. Chelsea are not alone in their interest in the playmaker, with Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG also said to be interested in Olise. Romelu Lukaku The Belgian has endured a torrid spell at the club since returning in 2021 and now looks set to leave the club for the second time this summer. The 30-year-old is unlikely to return to Inter, where he spent last season on loan, but could be staying in the Serie A with Fabrizio Romano reporting that Juventus are interested in the striker and a swap deal with Dusan Vlahovic. Chelsea turned down a similar deal in July but are said to be re-considering the deal now. Trevor Chalobah Wesley Fofana’s second long-term knee injury had meant that Trevor Chalobah was likely to stay at Stamford Bridge to provide cover at centre-back. However, with the imminent arrival of Axel Disasi, the Englishman now looks to have his eyes set on leaving this window to ensure playing time next season. The Evening Standard are reporting that the Blues would be willing to accept a bid of £45million for the 25-year-old with Inter one of the clubs with a long-standing interest in the centre-back. Robert Sanchez With Edouard Mendy leaving for the Saudi Pro League, Chelsea look set to dip into the market as they search for a replacement to provide competition to Kepa Arrizabalaga. That man could be Brighton’s Robert Sanchez who lost his place in the team to Jason Steele last season and did not travel to the US for Brighton’s pre-season tour. According to The Athletic, Chelsea have made an offer for the Spaniard but have yet to receive a response from Brighton. Mohammed Kudus Playing for Ajax, Kudus can play in a more attacking central midfield role as well as out on the right wing and could be the latest player to leave the Dutch club as they continue their cost-cutting measures having failed to qualify for the Champions League. The Ghanaian international could cost up to £40m and has attracted interest from Arsenal, according to The Daily Mail. Despite this, Chelsea are also said to be interested in the player with David Ornstein reporting that Chelsea have made contact with the Dutch side about a move for the 22-year-old. Callum Hudson-Odoi Chelsea’s outgoings are not done for the summer, however, with Callum Hudson-Odoi the latest to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old had an unsuccessful loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season and is reportedly training with the Under-21’s currently. Hudson-Odoi only has one year left on his contract with The Evening Standard reporting that the winger has agreed personal terms with Fulham ahead of a move to the Premier League side. Lazio are another team said to be interested in the winger but the Serie A club are yet to table a formal bid. Conor Gallagher The Chelsea midfielder has featured during the club’s pre-season tour to America but reportedly is being offered out to clubs as the west London outfit continue their clearout after a hugely disappointing season last year. Gallagher has been at Chelsea since he was six but has just two years left on his current deal. Tottenham are said to be interested but they will also face competition from West Ham who have made a move for the Englishman as they look to fill the void left by Declan Rice’s record-breaking move to Arsenal. According to Sky Sports, the Hammers’ initial bid of £40m has been rejected with Chelsea wanting £50m for their 23-year-old midfielder. Read More ‘I felt free’: Lauren James explains starring role to inspire England at World Cup Chelsea agree fee with Monaco for France international defender Axel Disasi Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves for Marseille as Chelsea exodus gathers pace Chelsea transfer news: Balogun, Olise, Lukaku, Chalobah and more Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink calls for patience at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea suffer blow with Carney Chukwuemeka injury update

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By Andrew MacAskill LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's governing Conservatives lost two strategically important parliamentary seats on Friday