Judge John McConnell Jr. (Credit: video clipping)
New revelations show that a federal judge responsible for blocking key Trump administration policies is a longtime Democratic mega-donor. Judge John J. McConnell Jr., appointed by former President Barack Obama, has a history of contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democratic campaigns and political action committees.
Judge McConnell, who has served as a U.S. District Judge in Rhode Island since 2011, was previously a personal injury lawyer. Records from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) indicate that before taking the bench, he made significant donations to Democratic politicians, including former Presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton.
(…) While judicial ethics rules prohibit federal judges from making political donations once confirmed to the bench, McConnell’s past financial ties raise concerns about impartiality in high-profile cases, especially those involving Republican-led policies. Judge McConnell recently issued a ruling freezing federal funding pauses initiated by the Trump administration, a move that has sparked criticism from conservatives.
His decision grants a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the administration’s effort to halt federal disbursements. The case, brought by a coalition of Democratic-led states, challenged Trump’s executive order aimed at reviewing federal spending for inefficiencies.
The judge’s order said that “all orders and judgments of courts must be complied with promptly,” effectively barring the Trump administration from implementing a broad spending freeze. “Persons who make private determinations of the law and refuse to obey an order generally risk criminal contempt even if the order is ultimately ruled incorrect,” he wrote.
The ruling also mandates the immediate release of withheld federal funds, including those allocated under Biden-era legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. This follows a pattern of judicial interventions against Trump’s policies.
McConnell has previously ruled against Trump administration initiatives, fueling concerns that his decisions may be influenced by political bias. In 2022, McConnell organized a conference that presented a distinctly progressive approach to racial justice for judges and attorneys.
The primary panel titled “Critical Race Theory: What It Is and What It Is Not” featured three distinguished scholars known for their support of critical race theory, according to National Review. The panel delved into “how the political, legislative, economic, and cultural system that has historically given white people significantly greater power and material resources has fundamentally shaped our courts and legal system.”
On Monday, McConnell took decisive action against the Trump administration by ordering the restoration of federal funds that had been previously frozen, aligning with a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued in January. The order reiterated that the administration must comply with congressionally mandated funding allocations. McConnell warned of possible criminal contempt charges should the administration fail to comply. (Read more: Trending Politics, 2/10/2025) (Archive)
Regarding Judge McConnell in Rhode Island de facto assuming the Presidency of the United States, a little trip down memory lane is in order:
His law firm was hired by then RI AG (now Senator) Sheldon Whitehouse – with a no-bid contract – to litigate on behalf of that AG’s office…
— Thomas Wigand (@TomWigand) February 12, 2025
Regarding Judge McConnell in Rhode Island de facto assuming the Presidency of the United States, a little trip down memory lane is in order:
His law firm was hired by then RI AG (now Senator) Sheldon Whitehouse – with a no-bid contract – to litigate on behalf of that AG’s office against lead paint manufacturers (on a “public nuisance” theory).
Query what all on and/or off-the-books consideration was on the table.
This was intended to emulate the then-recently successful suit against tobacco manufacturers that generated millions upon millions for the plaintiffs’ firms – I refer to them a “class action ambulance chasers.”
McConnell had a hand in that tobacco litigation, too. Meanwhile, Sheldon was eyeing a run for Governor, and probably national office later, and so probably thought the litigation would grease the skids in Democrat politics.
Ultimately that litigation was unsuccessful. In any case, McConnell was awarded a federal judgeship among rumors that he “bought the seat.”
Space requires a summary, but this all cries out for inquiry. Particularly, now with the current litigation – what, if any, “ex party” communications have occurred between this judge and the plaintiffs and/or non-party entities?
https://substack.com/@tomwigand/note/c-92758439