Jodi Diodati Administrative Officer | DeKalb County Republican Party
Jodi Diodati Administrative Officer | DeKalb County Republican Party
Federal Judge John McConnell, presiding over a case involving President Donald Trump's order to temporarily freeze federal funding, is facing scrutiny for a potential conflict of interest. The allegations were brought to light by America First Legal (AFL) on the X platform.
Judge McConnell, Chief Judge of the federal district court of Rhode Island, initially ordered a halt to the funding freeze in late January. On February 10th, he ruled that the Trump Administration had not complied and mandated that the funds be unfrozen while legal proceedings continued. In his order, McConnell stated: “persons who make private determinations of the law and refuse to obey an order generally risk criminal contempt.”
The lawsuit was initiated by 22 states and the District of Columbia, described as a "secret Blue State resistance" by AFL. The group reportedly aims to resist Trump's plan to end birthright citizenship.
AFL claims that Judge McConnell's involvement with Crossroads Rhode Island poses a conflict. He has been associated with this non-governmental organization (NGO), which receives substantial federal funding as a sub-awardee from various agencies like the Department of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development. Screenshots from Crossroads' 2023 Form 990 indicate that McConnell remains listed as Chair-Emeritus and has been on its board since 2006.
In 2023 alone, Crossroads Rhode Island received $18.6 million in government funding out of its $30 million revenue. Since McConnell joined in 2006, it has amassed over $117 million in government funds up until 2023—a figure AFL suggests could rise to $128 million when including fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
AFL emphasizes: "It is common practice for the federal government to disburse money to states, which then hand it out to NGOs like Crossroads Rhode Island." They argue that when Judge McConnell required continued taxpayer funding for Rhode Island, he also ensured ongoing support for Crossroads Rhode Island.
Under Federal law 28 USC § 455, judges must disqualify themselves if their impartiality might reasonably be questioned or if they have any financial interest affected by proceedings. Directors of non-profits have fiduciary responsibilities under Rhode Island Law as well.
America First Legal concludes: "directors of non-profits have fiduciary responsibilities... even the 'insistence or appearance of neutrality' is 'an essential means of ensuring the reality of a fair adjudication.'"
The case against President Trump reflects broader legal challenges he faces; more than 40 lawsuits have been filed against him since assuming office on January 20th.
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