Supporters and protesters gathered outside the New York County criminal court in Lower Manhattan as former President Donald Trump faced day three of his hush money trial. The trial, which saw seven jurors confirmed, hit a snag as two were excused this morning, with one concerned about her identity being revealed.
Judge Juan Merchan aimed to select the remaining jurors and alternates by the end of the week, but with the recent setbacks, the timeline for opening statements on Monday is now uncertain. The trial took a dramatic turn yesterday when it was revealed that if Trump takes the stand, he can be questioned about previous allegations of misconduct and crimes, including instances of sexual abuse and fraud.
Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg released a list of all misconduct and criminal acts not charged in the indictment that his office intends to use to impeach Trump’s credibility if he testifies. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to keep her alleged affair with him in 2006 a secret. Trump denies the affair and has pleaded not guilty.
As the trial continues, tensions run high outside the courtroom, with both supporters and protesters making their voices heard. Stay tuned for more updates on this high-profile trial.