It appears there is a situation involving Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who recently made headlines by halting President Trump’s temporary spending freeze. This move has raised eyebrows, as accusations are now surfacing about the judge’s own financial interests and potential conflicts of interest. It is alleged that Judge McConnell has been involved with a nonprofit organization, Crossroads Rhode Island, which has received a significant amount of government funding over the years, totaling over $128 million. Skepticism has grown as people question whether the judge was motivated by personal gain rather than objective judgment.
Critics point to the association between Judge McConnell and Crossroads Rhode Island, asserting that McConnell has been deeply involved with the organization. Reports claim that he has served on its Board of Directors since 2006 and even held the position of Chair for a decade. Notably, even after ascending to his position as Chief Judge in 2013, McConnell continued to be listed as a Director in the organization’s financial documentation, as seen in its IRS Form 990 filings. America First Legal (AFL) has called for Judge McConnell’s immediate recusal, arguing that his impartiality is compromised due to these ties.
/2 AFL has uncovered evidence suggesting that Judge McConnell appears to be currently serving on the Board of Directors for the non-profit NGO Crossroads Rhode Island, where he was previously the Chair of the Board and is still currently listed as the Chair-Emeritus. pic.twitter.com/rXmdVMN3as
— America First Legal (@America1stLegal) February 16, 2025
“Federal Judge McConnell must recuse himself immediately. AFL has uncovered a major potential conflict of interest for Judge John McConnell, Chief Judge of the federal district court of Rhode Island, who halted President Trump’s temporary spending freeze,” AFL stated on social media platform X. The assertion is that his ruling has helped secure continuous government funding for Crossroads Rhode Island, which is now reportedly receiving even more taxpayer money through state records in 2025.
/4 And, for much of that time, he served as Chair of the Board, a position he held from 2011 through 2021.
Prior to serving as Chair, he was the Vice Chair in 2009 and 2010 and a board member from 2006 to 2008. pic.twitter.com/rDjsWaJlY8
— America First Legal (@America1stLegal) February 16, 2025
/6 AFL’s review of required disclosure forms reveals that since Judge McConnell became Vice Chair of the Board of Crossroads Rhode Island in 2009, the organization has received over $117.6 million in government funding (accounting to the end of 2023).
Crossroads received over… pic.twitter.com/GKNk07jlMr
— America First Legal (@America1stLegal) February 16, 2025
Such revelations bring into question the fairness and integrity of Judge McConnell’s decision-making process. Federal law mandates that judges must disqualify themselves in cases where their impartiality could be reasonably questioned. However, it’s argued that McConnell’s fiduciary connections to Crossroads Rhode Island present a clear violation of this statute, specifically federal law 28 U.S.C. § 455. The public confidence in the judiciary is ultimately at stake, especially when decisions contribute to the financial growth of entities linked to those making the rulings.
In response to these allegations, there are calls for accountability and transparency. Critics demand that Judge McConnell vacate his ruling on the spending freeze and face inquiries related to this ethics breach. The argument is that such actions undermine public trust and create an impression of judicial corruption. It’s essential not to allow judges to exploit their positions to benefit personal interests or projects linked to them.
/12 Federal law, 28 U.S.C. § 455, requires judges to disqualify themselves “in any proceeding in which [their] impartiality might reasonably be questioned.” pic.twitter.com/mOSomMgwUc
— America First Legal (@America1stLegal) February 16, 2025
On the political front, this incident potentially bolsters President Trump’s criticism of certain judicial figures and decisions that have obstructed his policies. Supporters of Trump may view this case as another example of the establishment’s efforts to hinder his agenda, further fueling distrust in what they perceive as a partisan judicial system.
My Old Man warned me to watch those that continuously point away from themselves, loudly.
They’re probably up to something and are only deflecting attention away from what they’re up to.
Your “OldMan” is a wise man…
This judge should be removed from the bench!
These Democrat judges are the destruction of America.
The mainstream media should be all over this. If it involved a Republican you can bet they would be.
What a slush fund network ! Is there any wonder that they want DOGE to be denied access to records ? Records (that they didn’t want DOGE to see) show that $168 billion was, paid by Social Security, to deceased persons. Look at what is scurrying into the shadows, when DOGE shines the light.
DOGE definitely needs to look into this!!!!
All those Democrat Judges, not to mention the Democrats themselves all hate Trump. They do not believe he is the President because they all believe they ARE the President! All they are accomplishing is slow walking themselves into Gitmo!
Hey, Judge Merchan got away with this so why not this crook?
So, what will happen with this Judge is caught red handed? NOTHING!! If the Pam Bondi DOJ had any spine whatsoever, they would go after this pos Soros judge with a vengeance at all cost and expose just how corrupt our Judicial system is.
Pam Bondi needs to launch an immediate criminal investigation into all those limp-wristed bought-and-paid-for activist judges!
It’s time to rid our great country from those who wish to destroy it.
Prosecute the dirty judge and his corrupt cronies!
Follow the money. Always follow the money. This is why Democrats are screaming so loud about DOGE examining the books. They have been running a gigantic fraud scheme for decades using our tax money involving grants, contracts, loans, etc. to give to their political supporters and then receiving kickbacks in return. That’s why so many of them have become multi-millionaires while in office. Those crying the loudest have the most to hide.
if that’s the case, his decision should be immediately made null and void due to conflict of interest. also, if he refuses to recuse himself from this and any related cases, he should be immediately impeached and brought up on charges. if found guilty, then he should face the maximum penalties allowed by law.
Imagine my surprise. AAAHHHhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
This is why the democrats are fighting tooth and nail to stop anything DOGE does or finds. The entire federal government system, from politicians to judges to aides and committees have been sucking up tax payers money.