Jury selection for the first criminal trial of a former president ever, the case of the People of the State of New York v. Donald Trump, commenced Tuesday. The quest to find a fair and impartial jury got off to a slow start, with over half of the 96 potential jurors summoned expressing biases against Trump. Trump, while denying any wrongdoing, criticized Judge Juan Merchan overseeing the trial and lamented being away from the presidential campaign trail.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, is facing 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to a porn star. The trial, expected to last six to eight weeks, has drawn attention not just for its historical significance but also for the legal battles over Trump’s attendance. Despite objections from Trump’s attorney, the trial continues with the first pool of jurors, with a selection process estimated to take one to two weeks.
As the trial progresses, the focus remains on ensuring a fair trial for both sides, with ongoing legal wrangling over Trump’s obligations for attendance at court hearings conflicting with his political engagements. The trial promises to be a significant event in legal and political history, with implications that could extend beyond the courtroom. The coming days will reveal the extent of public interest and the impact of Trump’s legal battles on his political ambitions.