Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to appear in a Manhattan court on Thursday as the search for jurors continues in his historic criminal trial. The trial comes just months before his anticipated rematch with President Joe Biden.
Seven jurors have already been selected after two days of intense questioning by both prosecutors and Trump’s legal team. The challenge lies in finding impartial jurors in heavily Democratic Manhattan, where Trump made a name for himself as a real estate mogul.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts related to allegedly falsifying records to cover up hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. The trial, which began on Monday, is expected to last six to eight weeks.
If convicted, Trump could potentially face sentencing before the upcoming election. A guilty verdict would not prevent him from running for office, but a significant portion of voters have expressed reservations about supporting a convicted candidate.
The trial marks a significant moment in U.S. history, as it is the first-ever trial of a former president. Trump faces additional criminal charges in other states, but the Manhattan trial could be the only one concluded before the election.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Trump has been warned by the judge against intimidating potential jurors and violating a gag order that restricts his public comments on certain individuals involved in the case. The trial is closely watched by the public and could have far-reaching implications for Trump’s political future.