Republicans escalate complaint against judge in Trump funding freeze case
Republican lawmakers Reps. Jim Jordan and Darrell Issa have raised concerns about a district court judge presiding over a case involving the Trump administration, alleging a financial conflict of interest. Judge John McConnell, an Obama appointee, is overseeing a case in Rhode Island where 22 states with Democratic attorneys general are challenging a funding freeze ordered by the Office of Management and Budget.
The lawsuit argues that the funding freeze is illegal as Congress had already approved the funds for use. McConnell sided with the states and blocked the administration from suspending the funds, a decision that is now under review by the First Circuit Court of Appeals. In his ruling, McConnell criticized the administration for undermining the constitutional roles of the government branches and for not considering the practical consequences of the funding freeze.
Jordan and Issa have raised concerns about McConnell’s leadership roles with Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization that has received millions in federal and state grants. They argue that McConnell’s rulings in the case had the effect of benefiting Crossroads Rhode Island, creating a conflict of interest for the judge. They have requested the First Circuit Judicial Council to investigate this potential ethics violation.
The Trump-aligned group America First Legal has also been investigating McConnell’s ties to Crossroads Rhode Island and has raised concerns about his impartiality in the case. Republican Rep. Andrew Clyde even filed articles of impeachment against McConnell, although this approach has not gained widespread support among the Republican conference. McConnell’s daughter has also been targeted on social media, with vocal Trump supporter Laura Loomer and X CEO Elon Musk bringing attention to the judge’s political affiliations.
McConnell, who has been described as a major donor to Democratic politicians and organizations, has included his affiliation with Crossroads Rhode Island in his public financial disclosure reports. While no parties in the case have requested his recusal at this point, concerns about his impartiality continue to be raised by Republican lawmakers and conservative groups.
It remains to be seen how the First Circuit Judicial Council will address these allegations and whether McConnell’s ties to Crossroads Rhode Island will impact the outcome of the funding freeze case. The controversy surrounding McConnell’s involvement underscores the challenges of maintaining judicial impartiality in politically charged cases.
