A full jury has been sworn in for the historic criminal trial of former US President Donald Trump in New York City.
After two jurors were dismissed earlier in the process, Justice Juan Merchan declared jury selection complete with the swearing in of the final member, bringing the total to 12. Some experts predicted the process could take two weeks, but it moved swiftly after Trump’s team exhausted their challenges. Opening arguments may begin as soon as Monday, According to BBC.
At the heart of the trial, the first of its kind involving a former commander-in-chief, are charges related to hush-money payments made to a porn actress. As Trump left the courthouse on Thursday, he critiqued the political nature of the charges against him in Manhattan. “It’s a very unfair, very bad thing,” said Trump, gearing up to challenge President Joe Biden in November’s election. “The whole world is watching this hoax.”
Complications arose early in jury selection. Justice Merchan dismissed two seated jurors – one due to concerns about impartiality after friends bombarded her with messages, the other over a possible criminal history misrepresentation. Experts called it “very uncommon” to replace jurors so quickly. Professor Anna Cominsky noted the unprecedented public pressure in this atypical case.
Ninety-six potential jurors were subsequently questioned. Dozens claimed inability to judge Trump impartially. One, born in Italy, associated him with Silvio Berlusconi. Trump watched as his lawyers grilled the panel on feelings about him. While most maintained political views wouldn’t factor, one expressed “opinions” on Trump due to years of knowing him. Another’s old social media were flagged for “racist, sexist” labels, since renounced. In both cases, risks outweighed benefits.
One woman was surprisingly connected to the defense, having met Trump lawyer Susan Necheles years ago. Necheles confirmed hosting her overnight. With jury selection done, Justice Merchan looks to begin oral arguments as soon as Monday.
