Former President Donald Trump is back in New York Criminal Court for the fourth day of jury selection in his hush money trial. The 12 jurors and one alternate have been chosen and sworn in, with five additional alternates needed before opening arguments can begin.
Today’s court proceedings include a Sandoval hearing, where the prosecution will ask Judge Juan Merchan about bringing up prior misconduct and court cases involving Trump or his organization. The trial centers around 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg alleges that this payment was part of a catch-and-kill scheme Trump engaged in to influence the outcome of the presidential election. Trump has expressed frustration with the trial, calling it a “mess.”
During jury selection, potential jurors have raised concerns about their ability to be impartial, with some expressing anxiety and nervousness about the high-profile case. Trump, who has been present in court but reportedly distracted, has been vocal about his belief in presidential immunity from criminal prosecution.
As the trial progresses, the focus remains on selecting a fair and impartial jury to hear the evidence and determine the outcome of this historic case. Stay tuned for more updates as the trial unfolds.