The hush-money trial involving former President Donald Trump is underway, with six jurors selected for the 12-person jury as of Tuesday afternoon.
The first day of Trump’s trial ended on Monday with no jurors or alternates selected. The trial is a first in many ways — it is the first criminal trial of a former U.S. commander in chief and the first of four indictments against Trump to go to trial.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
The charges involve payments to two women – porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougall. Both women claimed to have had extramarital affairs with Trump years ago. Additionally, a Trump Tower janitor claimed there was a potential scandal involving Trump’s illegitimate child.
However, Trump has denied all of their claims about these alleged encounters.
The six selected are part of the first batch of about 100 potential jurors. The jurors’ views on Trump and his social media activities have come under intense scrutiny.
The jurors were selected through an elimination process, and several were dismissed for various reasons. Some of them said they couldn’t do it justice. Others had commitments that conflicted with trial timetables, while one was let off due to flu-like symptoms.
More jurors are still needed for the trial. A second group of potential jurors has not yet been challenged.
Jurors’ social media posts also sparked discussion. Trump attorney Todd Branch found some posts by potential jurors that contradicted their answers during questioning. For example, one post showed a potential juror at a party celebrating Trump’s election defeat.
Judge Juan M. Merchan decided to allow attorneys to ask prospective jurors questions about such posts.
During question period, some potential jurors were hesitant to share their thoughts on Donald Trump. A Manhattan bookseller, asked for his opinion, said his personal views on Trump had nothing to do with the case. He humorously added that he would share his views if they were in a bar, but not in court. He finally admitted that he was a Democrat.
Another potential juror, a criminal prosecutor from the Bronx, said he had some positive things to say about Trump.
Follow us on Google news ,Twitter , and Join Whatsapp Group of thelocalreport.in
