Trump’s jurors grilled on views
NEW YORK: Potential jurors in next week’s hush money trial of Donald Trump will be asked whether they have ever attended a rally in support of or opposition to the former president.
These questions are among those that will be asked of a group of randomly selected New Yorkers who will serve as jurors at the first ever criminal trial of an ex-president.
Mr Trump faces 34 counts of allegedly falsifying business records for paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to cover up a sexual en- counter.
Jury selection for the blockbuster trial began in a Manhattan courtroom on Monday, and hundreds of residents have received summons.
Mr Trump’s lawyers have argued the former president cannot get a fair trial in New York, but they lost a last-ditch bid on Monday to delay the start of the trial while they file a motion seeking a change of venue.
Twelve jurors and up to six alternates will be picked to hear the case, which is expected to last six to eight weeks.
The seven-page jury questionnaire agreed upon by defence attorneys and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg asks jurors basic questions such as their employment, marital status and hobbies before delving into more politically sensitive areas.
“Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former president Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?” is one of the questions.
Potential jurors are also asked if they follow Mr Trump on social media or if they have attended rallies or campaign events in support of or opposition to the former president.
They will also be asked whether they support rightwing extremist groups such as the QAnon movement.
After the jurors respond to the questionnaire they will be questioned by prosecutors and defence lawyers.