Trial judge warns Trump over jurors
Seven people picked for hush money trial
NEW YORK: The judge in Donald Trump’s historic criminal trial on Tuesday warned the Republican presidential hopeful against intimidating jurors as seven panellists were chosen with unexpected speed following questioning by both sides.
There had been speculation that jury selection could take weeks in such a high-profile and sensitive case — the first criminal trial of a former US president, who also is running to return to the White House this November.
But Judge Juan Merchan ended the session saying he was hopeful opening arguments could begin as early as Monday.
After a preliminary phase in Mr Trump’s trial in which prospective jurors could opt out if they felt unable to be impartial or had extenuating circumstances, defence attorneys and prosecutors began questioning the candidates in depth.
Twelve jurors in total are needed, and six alternates will also be chosen.
For Mr Trump to be convicted of his alleged fraud in a scheme to cover up an embarrassing alleged extramarital encounter with a porn star, the jury must render a unanimous verdict. Even one dissenting voice would see him walk free.
Judge Merchan cautioned Mr Trump at one point that his muttering was audible to one juror who faced scrutiny over social media posts.
“I will not have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom,” he said.
Mr Trump, 77, has been ordered by Judge Merchan to be in court daily, putting a major hitch in his campaign plans.
“I should be right now in Pennsylvania and Florida — in many other states, North Carolina, Georgia — campaigning,” he said in angry remarks outside the court. He called Judge Merchan “Trump-hating.”
Judge Merchan has warned Mr Trump against repeating his frequent past attempts to turn hearings into impromptu campaign appearances with outbursts at witnesses and staff, as well as tirades on social media.
The judge has already scheduled a hearing next week to consider whether Mr Trump should be held in contempt for violating a partial gag order restricting him from attacking individuals connected to the case.
Illustrating the extraordinary tension, potential jurors have been told they will remain anonymous to the public throughout the proceedings.
Judge Merchan said this is to protect them from possible bribery or physical harm.
On Monday, more than half of the first batch of 96 candidates were excused after signaling they could not be impartial.
Then on Tuesday, prospective jurors were grilled on their media consumption, political donations and education. Candidates were then asked individually about social media posts.
Mr Trump faces three other criminal cases centred on his possession of topsecret documents after leaving office and his unprecedented attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Mr Biden.