Prosecutors examine firm tied to judge in Trump case
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Federal prosecutors probed Authentic Campaigns, a firm tied to Judge Merchan's daughter. The inquiry's status remains unclear, with no active charges suggested.
Background
The U.S. attorney's office in Chicago spent about a year examining Authentic Campaigns Inc., a Democratic fundraising firm formerly co-owned by Loren Merchan, daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw Trump's hush-money trial. The subpoena sought communications with major Democratic clients, including Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. Trump and allies have attacked Judge Merchan over alleged conflicts of interest, and this investigation adds another layer to the political disputes surrounding the case.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2025U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros directed Authentic Campaigns to provide internal communications with Democratic clients, including Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.
- late 2024Loren Merchan served as Authentic Campaigns' vice president until this time.
- Aug 15, 2026The New York Times reported that federal prosecutors in Chicago had been investigating Authentic Campaigns, with the firm fighting the subpoena via legal team including Preet Bharara.
- Aug 16, 2026Sources told the Times that no additional subpoenas have been issued, suggesting authorities are not actively pursuing criminal charges.
Who’s saying what
- Prosecutors
- The U.S. attorney's office in Chicago spent about a year examining Authentic Campaigns, seeking a wide range of internal communications with major Democratic clients.
- Trump and allies
- Trump and his allies have repeatedly attacked Judge Merchan, claiming his daughter's political work created a conflict of interest in the hush-money case.
- Sources
- The current status of the investigation remains unclear; no additional subpoenas have been issued, suggesting authorities are not actively pursuing criminal charges.
Still unverified
The investigation's current status is unclear; sources suggest no active criminal charges, but this is not officially confirmed.