Hearing Related to Trump RICO Case Goes Off the Rails as Judge Reminds People She Can Read

During a marathon hearing on Thursday related to the Georgia election interference and racketeering (RICO) case against former President Donald Trump, tensions ran high in the courtroom as Fulton County Superior Court Judge Rachel Krause grew frustrated with both sides. As the hearing stretched beyond four hours, the judge intervened, expressing her annoyance at the contentious exchanges.

Attorney Accuses DA of Violating Open Records Act

The crux of the dispute centered on Merchant’s belief that the DA’s office had misled her in responding to public records requests. These requests pertained to employment documents concerning Wade, who had been a key figure in the RICO prosecution before stepping down. Merchant argued that the DA’s office failed to fully comply with the Georgia Open Records Act, and she was allowed to question a member of the DA’s office in detail about the handling of those requests.

Dexter Bond, the deputy of operations for the DA’s office and the custodian of records, took the stand to testify. Merchant began by meticulously reviewing documents, including the DA’s employee handbook entries on public records compliance, attempting to demonstrate the shortcomings of the office’s handling of her requests. However, Bond’s testimony soon became combative, with tensions escalating as the questioning continued.

Witness Testimony Sparks Heated Exchanges

The hearing hit a boiling point when Merchant asked Bond if he believed the DA’s office had complied with a particular public records request. Her question implied that she suspected intentional deceit in the DA’s handling of the matter. The DA’s attorney objected, calling the question speculative, but Judge Krause allowed Bond to answer. Bond, raising his voice, responded: “When it comes to you and what I think you believe, it can be anything, Ashleigh Merchant.” This sharp exchange drew the ire of the judge, who stepped in to address the escalating tension between the attorney and the witness.

Judge Calls for Clarity Over Arguments

Fed up with the lack of productive dialogue, Judge Krause addressed both parties, expressing her frustration with the argumentative tone of the hearing. “I feel like instead of being educated, I’m listening to an argument,” the judge remarked. She emphasized that her goal was to understand the processes followed by the DA’s office and determine whether those processes were properly adhered to.

After roughly an hour of back-and-forth over various documents, the judge reminded the attorneys that much of the information they were debating was already in written form and part of the official record. “I can read quite well,” she pointedly noted, urging both sides to focus on providing clear and concise explanations.

In closing, Judge Krause encouraged both Merchant and Bond to take a more cooperative approach, stating: “Let’s just, everybody, take a deep breath, and try not to argue with each other.” Her intervention aimed to bring the hearing back on track, focusing on the legal processes and ensuring that the court could make informed decisions.