Federal probe targets judge Merchan’s daughter’s firm

US federal prosecutors in Chicago are investigating Authentic Campaigns, a Democratic fundraising firm where Loren Merchan, daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, served as vice president until last year. The probe, first reported by the New York Times, focuses on a $468 payment from Kamala Harris's presidential campaign and emails between Loren Merchan and her father.

Judge Merchan oversaw Donald Trump's hush-money trial, which ended in a 34-count felony conviction for Trump. Trump has repeatedly attacked the judge, calling him biased and accusing him of protecting his daughter's business without evidence. Trump also claimed the judge's rulings were politically motivated.

Authentic Campaigns fought the subpoena with help from former Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara. Prosecutors later narrowed their request. The investigation's status is unclear, with no new subpoenas issued. No charges have been filed yet.