A full panel of 12 jurors and one alternate were selected for the New York criminal hush money trial of former President Donald Trump. Opening arguments are expected to begin on Monday. Trump expressed frustration with the case, criticizing the courtroom conditions and the trial itself. Two jurors were dismissed earlier in the week due to concerns about their impartiality, but the jury selection process was completed by Thursday afternoon.
Prosecutors accused Trump of violating his gag order multiple times on social media, prompting concerns about the fairness of the trial. The dismissed female juror received unwanted attention after Fox News host Jesse Watters mentioned details about her on air, leading her to express doubts about her ability to be impartial. The judge apologized and excused her, emphasizing the need for jurors to remain anonymous. The remaining prospective jurors were questioned, with some being excused for expressing biases or concerns.
Trump, who is facing charges of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, is required to be present in court throughout the trial. He has criticized the trial as a politically motivated attack and has lamented being taken away from campaigning. Despite this, Trump has used the media coverage of his trial to criticize his political opponents and promote his campaign messages. His legal team has also raised concerns about the jury selection process, although they were given the appropriate number of chances to reject potential jurors.
The trial is expected to last around six weeks, with court proceedings taking place on all weekdays except Wednesdays. Trump’s complaints about the trial have ranged from the courtroom conditions to the handling of jury selection, as he continues to assert that he is being unfairly targeted. The judge has issued a gag order restricting Trump’s ability to make certain statements about jurors and witnesses, which prompted accusations of continued violations from the prosecutors. The ongoing legal battle is closely watched by the public and has become a central focus of Trump’s campaign messaging.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the trial, the jury selection process was completed by Thursday afternoon, with a full panel ready for the opening arguments on Monday. Trump’s complaints about the courtroom conditions and the trial itself have characterized his response to the legal proceedings. The judge’s efforts to ensure a fair and impartial jury selection process have faced obstacles, including concerns raised by potential jurors and accusations of gag order violations. As the trial progresses, the focus remains on the legal battle between Trump and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, with implications for the former president’s political future.
