The second day of jury selection in former President Trump’s Manhattan criminal trial is set to begin on Tuesday. However, the process was not challenging, as half of the prospective jurors were excused on Monday for stating they could not be impartial towards the presumptive Republican nominee.
The trial, overseen by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, stems from charges filed against Trump for 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.
These charges are related to alleged hush money payments made before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all counts.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Democrats Face Criticism Over Voter Registration Strategy Helping Trump
Before the trial could proceed, prospective jurors were required to answer a comprehensive questionnaire consisting of 42 questions. These questions aimed to assess their work history, political affiliation, and media preferences.
However, more than half of the initial 96 prospective jurors were immediately excused for admitting their inability to serve as impartial jurors. Others were dismissed due to various reasons.
New York Judge Juan Merchan is presiding over the trial, despite Trump’s request for him to recuse himself.
Trump argued that Merchan displayed hostility towards him and cited his daughter’s work with Democratic politicians as a potential conflict of interest. However, Merchan dismissed these claims, stating there was no basis for him to recuse himself.
During the proceedings, Judge Merchan directly addressed Trump, informing him of his right to be present at the trial each day to assist in his defense.
However, the judge also cautioned Trump, stating that any disruption would result in contempt charges and potential removal from the court.
Merchan further warned that if Trump failed to appear when required, a warrant would be issued for his arrest. Trump acknowledged the judge’s instructions by nodding in agreement.
It is anticipated that the trial will last approximately six weeks. However, court sessions will not be held on Wednesdays, and there will be no session on Monday, April 29th.
Additionally, after excusing the jurors for the day, Judge Merchan denied a defense request to excuse Trump from the trial on the following Thursday, allowing him to attend arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court.
The high court is hearing arguments on April 25 on the issue of presidential immunity and on whether Trump is immune from prosecution in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election interference case.
“Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal, and I can certainly appreciate why your client would want to be there, but a trial in New York Supreme Court … is also a big deal,” Merchan said, rebuffing Trump lawyer Todd Blanche’s request.
Merchan added, “I will see him here next week.”
Trump also requested to attend the high school graduation ceremony for his son, Barron Trump, on May 17. Merchan has not yet decided on whether the former president can be present to celebrate his son.
“It looks like the judge will not let me go to the graduation of my son who’s worked very, very hard,” Trump said after court adjourned Monday.
“He’s a great student, and he’s very proud of the fact that he did so well and was looking forward for years to have graduation with his mother and father there. And it looks like the judge isn’t going to allow me to escape this scam; it’s a scam trial.”
Meanwhile, Merchan issued a gag order on Trump last month because of his “prior extrajudicial statements.” Merchan stated that they demonstrated “a sufficient risk to the administration of justice.”
Merchan ruled that Trump could not make or urge people to make public statements about possible witnesses, lawyers in the case (other than Bragg), court officials, DA staff, or family members of staff.
Merchan also ruled that Trump could neither make nor ask anyone to make public statements regarding any prospective or selected juror.
Catch up with the latest news from SurgeZirc on WhatsApp by following our channel. Click here to join.
