Trump Denies Falling Asleep During Jury Selection in Criminal Trial

Former President Donald Trump's spokesperson Alina Habba has denied reports that Trump fell asleep during the opening day of jury selection for his criminal trial in New York. Habba called the suggestions a "ridiculous thought" and indicated that Trump's eyes may have been closed as he "reads a lot."

The reports came from journalists who observed Trump appearing to nod off or doze off during the proceedings on the first day of the trial. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to "hush money" payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.

Habba said Trump has been "sitting there as he's forced to" and that it would have been a "very mundane day" going through jury selection. The trial is expected to last between six and eight weeks.

On the second day of jury selection, the judge, Justice Juan Merchan, warned Trump against intimidating jurors after he made remarks while his lawyers were questioning a prospective juror. The first seven of 12 jurors were eventually empaneled, and the judge told the first six seated jurors that they did not need to return to court until next Monday, when opening statements could begin.

Why this matters: The trial marks the first criminal case against a sitting or former US president. Trump's conduct in the courtroom has been a central issue, with the judge reprimanding him for his behavior during the jury selection process. The trial means Trump must spend most of his time over the next several weeks in court, instead of on the campaign trail as he seeks the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

Jury selection is set to resume on Thursday, with the court needing to find 11 more panelists to sit in judgment of Trump. The former president has continued to criticize the judge and the proceedings, calling it a "Biden inspired witch hunt." If convicted, Trump could potentially face prison time, though legal observers say fines are more likely.

Key Takeaways

• Trump's spokesperson denies reports he fell asleep during jury selection.
• Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
• Judge warned Trump against intimidating jurors during jury selection.
• This is the first criminal case against a sitting or former US president.
• If convicted, Trump could face prison time, though fines are more likely.