New York City, New York – Jury selection is currently underway in the landmark case of the People of the State of New York v. Donald Trump, marking the first criminal trial involving a former U.S. president. The search for a jury of 12 individuals and six alternates faced initial obstacles as more than half of the 96 potential jurors summoned expressed concerns about their ability to remain impartial regarding Trump, a divisive figure and native New Yorker.
On the eve of entering the courtroom, Trump vigorously proclaimed his innocence to reporters, criticizing Judge Juan Merchan, who presides over the trial, as a “Trump-hating judge.” Trump also bemoaned the trial’s interference with his potential presidential campaign activities, asserting that he should be visiting various states like Pennsylvania and Florida.
As the presumptive Republican nominee for president, Trump’s presence is mandatory throughout the expected six to eight weeks of trial proceedings. He has entered a plea of not guilty to 34 charges of falsifying business records in connection to a hush money payment made to a porn star in the final days of the 2016 election campaign. If convicted, Trump could face a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
Legal jostling ensued as Trump sought permission to skip court appearances for personal reasons, including his son’s high school graduation and a Supreme Court hearing related to an election interference case. Judge Merchan firmly upheld Trump’s mandated presence, urging both prosecution and defense attorneys to focus on the ongoing trial.
Amidst courtroom tensions, the lengthy jury selection process was delayed on its first day, with only a portion of potential jurors completing Merchan’s detailed questionnaire by day’s end. Trump’s demeanor during the proceedings raised speculation, given his apparent moments of closed eyes.
The selection process is set to continue with additional jurors facing questioning regarding their political affiliations and views on Trump himself. With Merchan anticipating the process to extend over one to two weeks, the trial is poised to be closely watched as a historic legal showdown unfolds in a New York City courtroom.