Staff Reports
A newly uncovered backstory surrounding Judge John J. McConnell Jr. shines a bright light on a federal judiciary ripe for political bias. Appointed by Barack Obama, this U.S. District Judge for Rhode Island is not just any run-of-the-mill judge; he’s a veteran Democratic mega-donor who has funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars into Democratic campaigns over the years. The sheer irony is almost enough to make conservatives chuckle—this is the very judge who appears to have a knack for blocking significant policies from the Trump administration while simultaneously racking up contributions to the party that loathes those policies.
Before donning the robe, McConnell was no stranger to the world of political contributions as a personal injury lawyer. His impressive resume includes donations to an illustrious list of political figures, showcasing his dedication to the Democratic Party. The records from the Federal Election Commission reveal that this judge who now wields significant authority had a financial heart that clearly beats blue, with donations benefiting the likes of Obama, Biden, and even Hillary Clinton. It begs the question of whether his rulings are as impartial as they ought to be.
With rapid-fire contributions to Democratic Party apparatuses—from campaign committees to various political action committees—McConnell has solidified his standing as one of the most proactive judges when it comes to backing Democratic candidates. The list of his financial “friends” reads like a who’s who of liberal politics. From national committees to state-specific PACs, the judge’s fingerprints are all over several campaigns that surely would make any staunch conservative squirm in their seat.
Did anyone really expect the D's to stop using lawfare to stop the @realDonaldTrump agenda?https://t.co/QsuBUEDtj7
— Robert B Chernin (@rbchernin) February 10, 2025
Despite the ethical guidelines forbidding federal judges from political donations post-confirmation, Judge McConnell’s historical ties to the left create a plethora of questions regarding his objectivity—especially when it comes to cases involving Republican-led initiatives. Recently, he issued a ruling that temporarily halted federal funding pauses set by the Trump administration—a move that sent shockwaves through the conservative community. Critics have raised eyebrows, suggesting that McConnell’s previous cozy relationships with Democratic politicians may be clouding his judgment on these politically charged cases.
To top it off, McConnell openly sided with the Democratic-led states challenging Trump’s executive orders on funding, reinforcing the notion that this judge is a reliable supporter of the political beliefs he’s financially backed. As conservatives watch federal funds being restored under the watchful eye of McConnell, it becomes painfully clear that judicial independence may be a distant dream when judges like him wield the gavel. The judge’s penchant for siding with the left raises the question: in a world where judges play kingmaker, who truly holds the crown? It’s certainly not conservatives looking for a fair playing field, that’s for sure.
