• Editor’s Pick
  • Investing
  • Economy
  • Stock
  • Politics
Income Researchers
EconomyEditor's Pick

House Republicans call for investigation into Obama-appointed judge in Trump funding case

by July 1, 2025
July 1, 2025

A pair of Republican oversight hawks escalated a complaint on Tuesday about a district court judge who is presiding over one of the Trump administration’s cases, alleging the judge has a financial conflict of interest.

Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman and member of the House Judiciary Committee, respectively, asked the judicial council for the First Circuit Court of Appeals to investigate Judge John McConnell, according to a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.

McConnell, an Obama appointee, has been presiding over a pivotal funding freeze case in Rhode Island brought by 22 states with Democratic attorneys general. The case centers on the Office of Management and Budget’s order in January that federal agencies implement a multibillion-dollar suspension of federal benefits.

The states’ lawsuit argued the funding freeze was illegal because Congress had already approved the funds for use. McConnell agreed with the states and blocked the administration from suspending the funds, and the case is now sitting before the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

McConnell wrote in an order in March that the Trump administration’s funding suspension ‘fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government.’ 

The judge said the freeze lacked ‘rationality’ and showed no ‘thoughtful consideration of practical consequences’ because it threatened states’ ‘ability to provide vital services, including but not limited to public safety, health care, education, childcare, and transportation infrastructure.’

Issa and Jordan said McConnell’s long-standing leadership roles with Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit that has received millions of dollars in federal and state grants, raised the possibility of a judicial ethics violation.

‘Given Crossroads’s reliance on federal funds, Judge McConnell’s rulings had the effect of restoring funding to Crossroads, directly benefitting the organization and creating a conflict of interest,’ Jordan and Issa wrote.

Their letter was directed to Judge David Barron, chief judge of the First Circuit and chair of the First Circuit Judicial Council.

McConnell was quick to become one of Trump’s judicial nemeses when he became involved with the funding freeze case. His initial order blocking the freeze and subsequent orders to enforce his injunction and unfreeze FEMA funds fueled criticism from Trump’s allies.

The Trump-aligned group America First Legal has been highlighting McConnell’s ties to Crossroads Rhode Island for months through its own investigation and complaint to the First Circuit.

Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., filed articles of impeachment against the judge in March, though impeachment as a solution for judges with whom Republicans take issue has not garnered widespread support among the broader Republican conference.

Vocal Trump supporter Laura Loomer targeted the judge’s daughter on social media, and X CEO Elon Musk elevated her grievance on his platform.

One of McConnell’s local newspapers, the Providence Journal, described the judge as a man ‘well-known’ in Democratic political circles and a major donor to Democratic politicians and organizations before he was confirmed to the bench in 2011.

McConnell included Crossroads Rhode Island and his membership as a board member in his recent public annual financial disclosure reports. No parties in the case have actively sought his recusal at this stage.

An aide for the judge did not respond to a request for comment.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
previous post
‘Only the beginning’: Trump admin releases data showing federal workforce slashed since January
next post
Tax cuts, work requirements and asylum fees: Here’s what’s inside the Senate’s version of Trump’s bill

Related Posts

Trump blasts Massie as ‘the worst Republican Congressman’...

July 22, 2025

Federal judge blocks Trump administration from defunding some...

July 22, 2025

‘All the options’: GOP eyes cutting August recess...

July 21, 2025

AOC slams progressive critics for ‘lying’ about her...

July 21, 2025

Iran will not give up nuclear enrichment, top...

July 21, 2025

Hunter Biden special counsel got ‘one resume’ from...

July 21, 2025

Obama-era officials mum on allegations of ‘manufactured’ intelligence...

July 21, 2025

Iran seeks China, Russia help to stall UN...

July 21, 2025

Congressional Republicans face bruising battle to avoid government...

July 21, 2025

Harvard, Trump battle for billions in federal funds...

July 21, 2025

    Fill Out & Get More Relevant News


    Stay ahead of the market and unlock exclusive trading insights & timely news. We value your privacy - your information is secure, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Gain an edge with hand-picked trading opportunities, stay informed with market-moving updates, and learn from expert tips & strategies.

    Recent Posts

    • Nuvau’s Gold-Focused Exploration Program Underway at Matagami

      July 22, 2025
    • Osisko Metals Gaspé Copper Project Intersects 645 Metres Averaging 0.28% Cu

      July 22, 2025
    • Trump blasts Massie as ‘the worst Republican Congressman’ and says he’s seeking a challenger to support

      July 22, 2025
    • John Feneck: Gold, Silver, Platinum, Copper — 8 Stocks to Play These Metals

      July 22, 2025
    • Lithium Market Update: Q2 2025 in Review

      July 22, 2025

    Archives

    • July 2025 (546)
    • June 2025 (398)
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 incomeresearchers.com | All Rights Reserved

    Income Researchers
    • Editor’s Pick
    • Investing
    • Economy
    • Stock
    • Politics

    Read alsox

    Russia claims US strikes on Iran have opened...

    June 23, 2025

    Iran seeks China, Russia help to stall UN...

    July 21, 2025

    Ignore outrageous attacks on Trump’s DOJ champion. He...

    July 17, 2025