Chicago federal prosecutors examined Authentic Campaigns Inc., a Democratic fundraising firm once co-owned by Loren Merchan, daughter of Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw Donald Trump’s hush‑money trial. A broad August subpoena targeted the firm’s communications with major Democratic clients, but after legal pushback the probe was narrowed to a $468 Harris‑campaign payment and emails between Loren Merchan and her father. Sources say no further subpoenas have been issued, suggesting prosecutors are not actively pursuing charges at this time. The inquiry highlights how politically charged investigations tied to Mr. Trump can draw federal prosecutors into partisan disputes.
Chicago Federal Probe Targets Fundraising Firm Tied to Judge Merchan’s Daughter in Trump Hush-Money Case
A Chicago federal investigation is examining a Democratic fundraising firm once co-owned by the daughter of Trump's hush-money trial judge (Getty Images)
Chicago federal prosecutors have investigated Authentic Campaigns Inc., a Democratic fundraising firm once co-owned by Loren Merchan, the daughter of Manhattan judge Juan Merchan, who presided over former President Donald Trump’s New York hush‑money trial, according to court filings and people familiar with the inquiry.
In August 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago issued a broad grand jury subpoena seeking the firm’s internal communications with major Democratic clients as part of a probe into whether its work involved improper conduct or potential violations of federal law.
Who Was Named
The subpoena reviewed by The New York Times reportedly identified clients that included former Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Joe Biden, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic National Committee.
Judge Juan Merchan has been the target of attacks by Trump after he oversaw the hush-money case (Getty Images)
Loren Merchan’s Role
Loren Merchan served as a vice president at Authentic Campaigns until late 2024 and was named in the investigation. Supporters of Mr. Trump and some allies have repeatedly accused the Merchan family of conflicts of interest—allegations that sources say lack supporting evidence.
Scope Narrowed After Legal Fight
Authentic Campaigns pushed back through counsel, including former Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. After negotiations, prosecutors narrowed the subpoena’s scope, reportedly focusing on a $468 payment from Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign and on email exchanges between Loren Merchan and her father.
The current status of the Chicago investigation is unclear. Sources told reporters that prosecutors have not issued additional subpoenas to Loren Merchan, Authentic Campaigns founder Michael Nellis, or others—an absence that suggests federal authorities are not actively pursuing criminal charges at this time.
Broader Context
Mr. Trump was convicted in May 2024 on 34 felony counts for falsifying business records related to an alleged $130,000 payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels. During the case, Trump publicly attacked Judge Juan Merchan, accusing him of bias and criticizing a gag order the judge issued—conduct that ultimately led to an expanded gag order covering family members and a criminal contempt citation against Trump for violating the restrictions.
Note: The Independent and other outlets have reached out to Authentic Campaigns and the U.S. Department of Justice for comment; the investigation remains fluid and sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because it is ongoing.
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