What we know so far about the jurors in Trump's New York hush money trial – The Washington Post
Jury selection is underway in the historic hush-money trial of former president Donald Trump, with the first seven jurors being seated Tuesday.
There will be 12 jurors total, plus about six alternates, according to the New York judge overseeing the case, Juan Merchan. During questioning, potential jurors were asked dozens of questions about their backgrounds and ability to remain fair and impartial. The seated jurors showed a range of knowledge about Trump and the news more broadly. Some were more expressive than others, like the lifelong Harlem resident who said she tries to steer clear of politics but appreciates that Trump “speaks his mind.”
The trial, which began Monday, marks the first criminal prosecution of a former U.S. president. Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records, part of what prosecutors have described as a scheme during the 2016 presidential campaign to cover up an alleged affair with adult-film actress Stormy Daniels.
It is one of four criminal cases that Trump faces, including two others that center on his efforts to hold on to power after his reelection loss, that he must juggle as he runs for president again.
Dozens of potential jurors were dismissed on the first day of the trial, highlighting the difficulty of prosecuting such a high-profile figure. The jury selection process isn’t over yet, but here is what is known about the jurors who have been seated so far, according to The Washington Post’s reporting and pool reports:
Former president Donald Trump’s criminal hush money trial is underway in New York. Follow live updates from the trial.
Jury selection: Here’s what 12 New Yorkers said when we asked them if they could judge Trump impartially. This is how jurors will be picked for the trial.
The case: The investigation involves a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels, an adult-film actress, during the 2016 presidential campaign. It’s one of many ongoing investigations involving Trump. Here are some of the key people in the case.
The charges: Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Falsifying business records is a felony in New York when there is an “intent to defraud” that includes an intent to “commit another crime or to aid or conceal” another crime. He has pleaded not guilty. Here’s what to know about the charges — and any potential sentence.
Can Trump still run for president? The short answer, legal experts said, is yes. The U.S. Constitution does not forbid Trump, or anyone else, from serving as president if convicted of a felony.