Jury Selection Completed in Trump's Hush Money Trial as He Calls Case a "Mess"

The jury selection process for former President Donald Trump's historic criminal trial in the hush money case has been completed, with 12 jurors and one alternate sworn in. The proceedings saw some setbacks, with two previously selected jurors being dismissed due to concerns about their ability to be fair and impartial.

Trump, who faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, has pleaded not guilty. The case centers on the payment made by Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen to prevent Daniels' claims of a sexual encounter with Trump from becoming public before the 2016 election.

Despite the challenges faced during jury selection, the process was wrapped up in a couple of hours, and the trial is set to continue with the selected panel. The jury is made up of seven men and five women, including a retired wealth manager, a speech therapist, a product development manager, and a physical therapist.

Trump, who was present in the courtroom during the selection process, expressed frustration with the trial, calling it a "mess" and a "scam." He also claimed that the judge is "highly conflicted." The judge dismissed two jurors, one for not disclosing prior brushes with the law and another who felt intimidated due to personal information being made public.

Why this matters: This trial marks the first criminal case ever brought against a former U.S. president and is taking place in the midst of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for Trump's political future and the broader American political landscape.

Prosecutors have accused Trump of violating a gag order by attacking witnesses, jurors, and the judge on social media. They have asked the judge to hold him in contempt, with a hearing scheduled for next week to address the alleged violations and determine if sanctions should be imposed. "Donald Trump has labeled the hush money trial against him a 'mess' after 12 jurors were selected to hear his case," highlighting the contentious nature of the proceedings.

Key Takeaways

• Jury selection completed for Trump's hush money trial, 12 jurors and 1 alternate sworn in.
• Trump faces 34 felony counts related to $130K payment to Stormy Daniels before 2016 election.
• Trial marks first criminal case against a former U.S. president, with implications for Trump's political future.
• Prosecutors accuse Trump of violating gag order, seek contempt charges and potential sanctions.
• Trump calls trial a "mess" and "scam," claims judge is "highly conflicted."