Opening arguments in Donald Trump’s hush money trial are set to begin with a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates selected to decide if Trump covered up a payment to a porn star before the 2016 election. The selection process included dramatic moments, such as prospective jurors criticizing Trump to his face, with one woman expressing concern about how his base might be influenced by his rhetoric. Another juror left court in tears, showcasing the stress involved in the case.
Despite a turbulent selection process, the trial continued without interruption, even after a man set himself on fire outside the courthouse. Trump sat silently at the defense table, briefly dozing off at times, as the proceedings carried on. He was dismissive of the case and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in interactions with reporters. However, he remained defiant, vowing to testify at the trial and pleading not guilty to the 34 counts he faces, which include falsifying business records.
Trump’s attorney stated that the first witness in the six-week trial is expected to testify after opening statements on Monday. The prosecution’s witness list remains undisclosed, but it is anticipated that both Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen will testify against the former president. Trump has consistently referred to the trial as a “witch hunt,” maintaining his innocence in the face of potentially facing up to four years in prison if convicted on all counts.
The final five alternates selected for the trial include a handyman willing to fix the courtroom’s microphone and an Upper East Side project manager who agreed to serve in her spare time. The selection process was grueling, with juror dismissals due to emotional distress and dismissive remarks towards Trump. Amidst the selection proceedings and subsequent trial, Trump was chastised by potential jurors for what they saw as empowering harmful rhetoric.
The trial promises to be contentious, as opening arguments and witness testimonies shed light on the allegations of hush money payments and cover-ups that plagued Trump’s presidency. Trump’s defiant attitude towards the trial and refusal to back down from accusations furthers the tension surrounding the proceedings. Despite the challenges faced during the selection of jurors and the dramatic moments that have already unfolded, the trial is poised to proceed with a substantial impact on Trump’s legal future.
