Lawyers Select 12 Jurors for Donald Trump's Historic Criminal Trial Involving Hush-Money Payment to Porn Star

As former President Donald Trump's historic criminal trial unfolds in New York, the jury selection process has taken center stage, presenting unique challenges for both the prosecution and defense. With the trial being the first of its kind involving a former U.S. president, finding impartial jurors has proven to be a complex task.

So far, a diverse group of 12 jurors, including seven men and five women from Manhattan, has been seated. However, the selection process has not been without its hurdles. Two jurors were dismissed due to concerns about being publicly identified and their ability to remain unbiased. Prosecutors also raised issues with another juror, leading to his removal from the panel.

The trial, which centers around a $130,000 payment made by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, has Trump facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison.

During the jury selection process, prospective jurors were extensively questioned about their social media activity, personal lives, and political views to ensure fairness. Some jurors expressed critical opinions about Trump's politics and persona, while one spoke positively of his business success.

Trump, who is running for president again in 2024, has expressed frustration with being stuck in court instead of campaigning across the country. He has criticized the charges against him as a "scam" and a "New York scam."

Why this matters: The outcome of this unprecedented trial could have significant implications for Trump's political future and the 2024 presidential race. It also raises important questions about holding powerful individuals accountable under the law.

With the jury now seated, the court is on track to begin opening statements as early as Monday. Prosecutors will present their case first, but have been denied the names of the first three witnesses they plan to call, as Trump has been tweeting about the witnesses. The judge has taken steps to protect the privacy of jurors, ordering that questions about their employers be redacted from the court record and directing reporters not to mention their physical appearance.

Key Takeaways

• Jury selection for Trump's historic criminal trial in NY faces challenges.
• Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, up to 4 years in prison.
• Jurors were extensively questioned about social media, personal lives, and political views.
• Outcome could have significant implications for Trump's political future and 2024 race.
• Judge has taken steps to protect jurors' privacy, denying witness names to Trump.