WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan on Wednesday denied former President Donald Trump’s request for her recusal in his federal election obstruction case. Trump’s attorneys had claimed that Chutkan’s previous statements showed bias against him.

In a 20-page opinion, Chutkan stated that a “reasonable person” would understand that her statements were not vague declarations about future cases or about Trump specifically. Rather, she was evaluating the arguments made by Jan. 6 Capitol attack defendants who claimed that their sentences should be reduced because others involved in the events had not been prosecuted.

While Trump’s defense can appeal the ruling, the standard for a federal appeals court or the U.S. Supreme Court to review it is high. They would need to prove that Chutkan had failed in her duty and that assigning a new judge is appropriate.

Legal ethics expert Stephen Gillers explained that the decision to recuse ultimately lies with Chutkan and appellate courts usually defer to her judgment unless it is an abuse of discretion.

Trump’s lawyers had argued for Chutkan’s recusal based on her statements during the sentencing of two defendants involved in the Capitol attack. Chutkan had referred to Trump in one statement, saying that those at the Capitol were loyal to him, not to the Constitution.

Prosecutors countered that the defense had taken Chutkan’s statements out of context and that her remarks were a response to the defendants’ claims for leniency. They argued that Chutkan had not shown any bias against Trump.

The judge’s decision comes as Trump faces multiple criminal cases, with the first trial scheduled for March 4. He is also requesting a limited gag order to prevent him from making public statements that could undermine public confidence in the judicial system.

In the end, Chutkan concluded that her statements did not indicate prejudice or bias, and she fulfilled her duty to assess the claims of the defendants based on the facts and arguments presented. Trump’s recusal request was seen by some as an attempt to rally his supporters and delay the legal proceedings.

Trump has previously sought recusal in his New York criminal case but was denied. The judge ruled that the donations made by the judge and the work done by his daughter’s agency for Democratic candidates did not constitute a conflict of interest.

Trump’s trial on charges of plotting to undermine the federal government and subvert the 2020 election results is set to proceed on March 4.

In conclusion, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan has denied former President Donald Trump’s request for her recusal in his federal election obstruction case. Chutkan’s decision came after Trump’s attorneys claimed that her previous statements showed bias against him. However, Chutkan ruled that her statements were not vague declarations about future cases or about Trump himself. The decision ultimately lies with Chutkan, and while Trump’s defense can appeal the ruling, the standard for review is high. Trump faces multiple criminal cases, with the first trial scheduled for March 4.