Trump’s Manhattan Trial: Jury Selection Complete

In a historic moment, a full 12-person jury has been sworn in for former US President Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York City. Despite initial setbacks, jury selection moved swiftly after Trump’s legal team exhausted their challenges.

Background: The Trial’s Origins

The trial centers around a hush-money payment of $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, allegedly to conceal an affair with Trump. While the payment itself wasn’t illegal, Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Jury Selection Drama

The day saw unexpected twists as two jurors were dismissed. One cited external pressure after friends and family learned of her selection, while another was excused due to potential lies about criminal history.

Unusual Challenges

Legal experts noted the uncommon nature of juror dismissals post-selection, reflecting the unique pressures of the case. Public scrutiny adds an extra layer of complexity.

The Hunt for Impartiality

After initial dismissals, a new batch of potential jurors was brought in. Despite diverse opinions on Trump, most insisted they could judge impartially.

Social Media Scrutiny

Concerns arose over a prospective juror’s past social media posts criticizing Trump. Despite her explanation, she was ultimately dismissed to avoid risks.

Surprise Connections

Another juror was excused due to a personal connection to Trump’s lawyer, highlighting the need to avoid bias.

Moving Forward

With the jury selection complete, the trial is set to begin with opening arguments potentially starting as early as Monday. Trump, meanwhile, continues to denounce the charges as politically motivated.