The hush money trial of former president Donald Trump has reached a critical stage as testimony wrapped up on May 21, with closing arguments set for May 28. Mr. Trump opted not to take the stand, and a verdict is expected by May 29.
The trial revolves around 34 counts of falsifying business records, with Mr. Trump accused of directing his former fixer, Michael Cohen, to pay off adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair. The former president denies the allegations.
The jury selection process was intense, with both sides wary of potential “stealth jurors” who may hide their biases to influence the trial’s outcome. Manhattan prosecutors and Trump’s defense team probed potential jurors on their ability to remain impartial despite their knowledge of the high-profile defendant.
Steve Duffy, a trial behavior consultant, highlighted the presence of stealth jurors who may have strong opinions but conceal them to serve on the jury. Both sides conducted background research on potential jurors, including social media posts and political affiliations.
The prosecution aimed to remove Trump supporters, while the defense sought to eliminate left-leaning individuals. The need for a unanimous verdict to avoid a mistrial puts pressure on both sides to root out any jurors who may refuse to convict.
New York’s jury pool poses challenges for Mr. Trump, as his supporters stand out in the liberal-leaning city. The defense team’s goal is to secure a mistrial, buying time for their client. The presence of stealth jurors could potentially derail the trial, underscoring the importance of a fair and impartial jury selection process.