2024 Campaign Update: April 12, 2024

Former President Donald Trump’s legal team is making a last-minute push to amend the jury selection process ahead of his upcoming hush money trial in Manhattan. In a letter to Judge Juan Merchan, Trump’s lawyers expressed concerns about the current plan for jury selection, arguing that it could hinder their ability to present a strong case for potential appeals.

The judge had initially outlined a process where jurors would be asked if they could be fair and impartial in the case, with those who couldn’t excused without further questioning. Trump’s lawyers, however, requested the opportunity to question each juror individually to ensure a more thorough vetting process.

In their letter, Trump’s attorneys emphasized the importance of creating a detailed record for potential appellate review and venue-change motions. They specifically requested that the judge differentiate between jurors who couldn’t be fair and those who were otherwise unable to serve, in order to better assess potential biases.

This latest development comes as Trump’s legal team continues to challenge the trial proceedings, including a recent attempt to halt the trial altogether on the grounds that the former president cannot receive a fair trial in Manhattan. They have also raised concerns about the jury questionnaire, arguing that it fails to identify potential jurors with affiliations that could lead to bias.

As the trial date approaches, Trump’s lawyers are seeking to ensure a fair and impartial jury selection process that will allow them to present a strong defense on behalf of the former president. The judge is expected to rule on the requested amendments in the coming days, as the high-profile trial draws closer.