The recent revelations about Judge Jack McConnell have unveiled claims of a serious ethical dilemma. Known for halting President Trump’s temporary spending freeze, Judge McConnell’s actions appear to be marred by conflicts of interest. America First Legal’s investigation has disclosed that McConnell is deeply involved in a taxpayer-funded nonprofit, Crossroads Rhode Island. Allegedly receiving over $128 million in government funds during his tenure, this connection raises questions about his impartiality. As per federal regulations, judges must disqualify themselves in cases where their impartiality might be questioned, but McConnell ignored this mandate.
“FEDERAL JUDGE McCONNELL MUST RECUSE HIMSELF IMMEDIATELY,” declared America First Legal on platform X, emphasizing the conflict of interest. McConnell, controversially aligned with Crossroads Rhode Island, has been linked with the nonprofit for many years and continued his position even after ascending to the federal bench.
/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
In 2023, Crossroads Rhode Island reportedly received over $10 million in federal funds funneling through Rhode Island state authorities, summing up more than $18.6 million last year alone. Since 2009, under McConnell’s influence, the organization has amassed a staggering $117.6 million, including a substantial contribution of $42 million between 2020 and 2023. Rhode Island records already indicate an additional $2.9 million taxpayer funding anticipated for 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
This arrangement reeks of corruption, as federal funds lined the pockets of McConnell’s organization, ultimately leading McConnell’s ruling to claim these funds were “essential” in sustaining these state programs. Yet, these funds conveniently ended up supporting a nonprofit with which he was closely connected, thus presenting an undeniable conflict of interest.
McConnell’s radical stance and extreme far-left ideologies, stating that Trump was called a “tyrant” and racism was condemned as a ‘’white people problem” by him. Such comments reflect McConnell’s prejudiced views and further cements questions of his neutrality, especially in cases involving Trump policies.
/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
According to USA Spending reports, Crossroads Rhode Island has served as a sub-awardee of 155 federal grants directed towards local and state administrations over the last 15 years. Particularly in 2023, over $10 million was orchestrated through state channels, with McConnell still tethered to the nonprofit. In light of these developments, there’s no doubt McConnell’s ruling was tainted by personal gain.
To safeguard judicial integrity, Judge Jack McConnell should retract his ruling, recuse himself, and be held accountable for these ethical breaches. His clandestine affiliations and the conflict-laden ruling demand scrutiny. If McConnell resists stepping down voluntarily, Congress must investigate and seek measures to oust him from the bench.
/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
In the interest of upholding ethical conduct and protecting taxpayers from misuse, it is imperative that judges are barred from exploiting their authority to favor personal institutions. Such actions contravene the will of the people and reek of judicial misconduct. President Trump’s intent to place a temporary spending freeze, aimed at exercising fiscal responsibility, was undermined by McConnell’s self-serving actions.