House Republicans Seek Ethics Probe into Judge Presiding Over Trump Funding Case
House Judiciary members Reps. Jim Jordan and Darrell Issa have launched a formal request for an ethics investigation into Judge John McConnell, a key figure in the ongoing legal battle over the Trump administration’s funding freeze. The duo, both prominent conservatives on the committee, have directed their inquiry to the First Circuit Judicial Council, urging them to scrutinize McConnell’s conduct. This comes after allegations surfaced that the judge may have a conflict of interest due to his involvement with Crossroads Rhode Island, a nonprofit organization that has received substantial federal and state grants.
McConnell, an Obama appointee, has been presiding over the case that has become a focal point in the broader debate over executive power and the role of the judiciary. The case, involving 22 states with Democratic attorneys general, centers on the Office of Management and Budget’s order to suspend federal benefits under the Trump administration. The states’ lawsuit argued that the funding freeze was an illegal overreach, claiming that Congress had already approved the funds for use. McConnell, who initially ruled in favor of the states, has been criticized by Trump allies for his stance, which they say undermines executive authority.
The controversy has been further complicated by McConnell’s ties to Crossroads Rhode Island, which he co-founded and chairs. The nonprofit has received millions in grants, leading to the claim that his rulings could have had a direct financial impact on the organization. Reps. Jordan and Issa argue that this potential conflict of interest raises serious ethical concerns about the judge’s impartiality. Their letter to the First Circuit Judicial Council, obtained by Fox News Digital, calls for an investigation into whether McConnell’s leadership roles compromised his ability to serve as an impartial arbiter in the case.
The Trump-aligned organization America First Legal has also been vocal in its criticism, having previously raised concerns about McConnell’s affiliations. Rep. Andrew Clyde, a vocal Trump supporter, had proposed articles of impeachment against the judge in March, though this approach has not gained significant traction within the broader Republican conference. The political tensions have been further highlighted by Laura Loomer, a prominent Trump supporter, who targeted McConnell’s daughter on social media, drawing attention from X CEO Elon Musk.
McConnell, who has been a persistent critic of the Trump administration’s policies, has faced mounting pressure from the right wing. His judicial decisions, particularly regarding the funding freeze, have been a source of contention. Despite these criticisms, the judge has maintained his position, with his recent public financial disclosure reports listing his involvement with Crossroads Rhode Island. However, no parties in the case have formally requested his recusal, leaving the issue in limbo until the judicial council’s response.
The case has broader implications for the separation of powers and the judiciary’s role in checking executive decisions. McConnell’s ruling, which emphasized the constitutional boundaries of presidential authority, has drawn support from legal experts on both sides of the political spectrum. As the First Circuit Judicial Council considers the Republicans’ call for an investigation, the situation remains a focal point in the ongoing partisan battles over judicial ethics and government accountability.