The jury selection process for the historic criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, related to allegations of business fraud, has been a rollercoaster ride. The trial, which began on Thursday, initially faced challenges in finding 12 impartial jurors. However, by the end of the day, the jury was successfully seated, marking the first criminal trial of a former US president in the nation’s history.
Key Takeaways from Thursday’s Jury Selection
Despite initial hiccups, the jury selection process moved swiftly once both sides had exhausted their 10 peremptory strikes. The seated jury comprises seven men and five women from diverse professional backgrounds, including an investment banker, a security engineer, a retired wealth manager, a speech therapist, and a physical therapist.
However, the process was not without its drama. Several prospective jurors expressed negative opinions about Trump, leading to challenges from Trump’s attorneys. However, Judge Juan Merchan dismissed these challenges, stating that disliking Trump’s persona was not a valid reason for dismissal.
Voicing Opinions and Ensuring Fairness
Several jurors openly expressed their views about Trump, with one juror describing him as “selfish” and “self-serving.” Despite these sentiments, the jurors asserted their ability to remain fair and impartial during the trial.
One juror, who follows Trump on social media and has read his book “The Art of the Deal,” stated that he follows Trump’s posts because they often become news items. Trump’s legal team successfully petitioned to remove a juror who had made strongly worded anti-Trump social media posts.
Witnesses and Legal History
In an unusual move, the Manhattan district attorney’s office has refused to disclose the identities of its first witnesses to prevent Trump from posting about them on social media. This decision has left Trump’s team in the dark about upcoming witnesses, and it could also mean that the identities of the witnesses may be a surprise to the public on a daily basis.
A hearing is also likely to take place on Friday to discuss what aspects of Trump’s legal history can be used in the trial.
Looking Ahead
With the jury now seated, the trial is set to begin on Monday. The court will continue to select five alternate jurors on Friday. Despite the initial challenges, the trial is on track to start as scheduled, marking a significant moment in US history.