Donald Trump trial: Potential jurors excused due to anxiety and emotional distress as selection process progresses | US News
The jury selection process for Donald Trump’s hush money trial is proving to be challenging and unpredictable.
Lawyers at Manhattan Criminal Court have been interviewing potential jurors this week to choose the 12 jurors and six alternates who will determine if Trump concealed payments to women who claimed they had affairs with him.
By the end of Thursday’s proceedings, 12 jurors and one alternate had been sworn in, with the task of selecting five more alternates remaining.
During court today, one potential juror was excused due to anxiety issues that could affect her impartiality, while another broke down in tears.
The excused woman expressed concerns about her ability to be fair as her anxiety worsened, while the tearful individual apologized for feeling nervous and anxious.
Another prospective juror, a mother with adult children, mentioned she receives news updates from her husband but has no strong opinions about Trump.
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Trump has been typically outspoken about the trial
During the questioning, Trump was observed scribbling on papers and communicating with his legal team at the defense table.
One potential juror who caught his attention mentioned following the White House Instagram account when Trump was in office.
A total of 22 jurors are being interviewed, and those selected for the jury must set aside personal biases to impartially assess Trump, who is currently seeking a return to the White House.
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Opening statements in Trump’s trial could begin as early as Monday, the judge has said. Pic: Curtis Means/Pool via Reuters
Judge Merchan has indicated the trial’s opening statements could begin as early as Monday.
Trump is accused of criminally altering business records to cover up a $130,000 (£104,200) payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, real name Stephanie Clifford, during his 2016 election campaign.
Ms Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who was paid $150,000 (£120,000), both claim to have had affairs with Trump.
The payment was meant to spare himself and his family embarrassment, his lawyers say, not to help him win the election.
In what is the first criminal trial of a US president, Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and could get up to four years in prison if convicted.
He is also facing three other criminal cases that could go to trial. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
