Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirschner stated that potential jurors’ political affiliations will not disqualify them from serving on the jury in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial. The trial, set to begin on Monday in Manhattan, involves charges of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has maintained his innocence and pled not guilty to all charges, claiming the case is politically motivated. Despite efforts by Trump’s legal team to delay the trial due to prejudicial pretrial publicity, a New York appeals court judge denied the request.
Judge Juan Merchan, presiding over the case, has issued 42 questions that will be asked of potential jurors to ensure their ability to be fair. Among these questions is one asking if potential jurors have any strong opinions or beliefs that could interfere with their impartiality. Kirschner, a former assistant U.S. attorney, reassured viewers that the jury selection process is rigorous and designed to ensure fairness. He explained that the prosecutors and defense attorneys will both play a role in selecting jurors who can be fair and unbiased, regardless of their political beliefs or ideologies. Kirschner expressed confidence in the process, stating that he believes a fair and impartial jury will be seated for the trial.
Kirschner emphasized that while potential jurors may have political affiliations or strong opinions about Trump, these factors will not disqualify them from serving on the jury as long as they can demonstrate that they can be fair and impartial. He acknowledged that defense attorneys may be looking for jurors who are more sympathetic to Trump, while prosecutors will aim to select jurors who can view the case objectively. Despite differing objectives, Kirschner expressed confidence that a fair trial will be conducted. Newsweek reached out to Trump’s spokesperson and one of his lawyers for comment on the upcoming trial.
The case against Trump stems from allegations by Stormy Daniels that she had an affair with Trump in 2006, which he has denied. The charges against Trump relate to payments made to Daniels to keep her quiet about the alleged affair during the presidential campaign. Trump’s legal team has argued that the case is politically motivated and sought to delay the trial due to concerns about biased pretrial publicity. However, the trial is set to proceed as scheduled, with jury selection beginning soon. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for Trump, who continues to maintain his innocence in the face of legal challenges.
