12 jurors have been seated in Trump's hush money trial
Apr 18, 2024
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NPR political reporter Ximena Bustillo joins to discuss jury selection in Trump's hush money trial. 12 jurors have been seated, including 7 men and 5 women. Topics include the jury selection process and Trump's presence in the courtroom.
Jurors in Trump's hush money trial show impartiality despite influence of his celebrity status.
Trump's presence in the courtroom adds a unique dynamic, emphasizing the gravity of the trial.
Deep dives
Jury Selection in Trump's New York Criminal Trial
In Trump's New York criminal trial, jury selection is underway with Trump pleading not guilty to 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Jurors are meticulously screened through a 42-question questionnaire that includes inquiries about their history, background, and potential connections to Trump. The process involves jurors self-identifying biases or reasons they cannot be impartial, leading to dismissals based on factors like social media history. Trump's presence in the courtroom adds a unique dynamic as he closely observes the jurors, emphasizing the gravity of the trial.
Trump's Campaigning Interferes with Trial Proceedings
Amidst his criminal trial, Trump continues his presidential campaign activities, arguing that the trial constitutes election interference. Despite pleading not guilty, Trump's active campaign schedule includes events in New York and North Carolina. Prospective jurors, influenced by his celebrity status from 'The Apprentice' and his books, express concerns about impartiality, with some retracting their willingness to serve after media exposure. This clash between legal proceedings and Trump's political ambitions sets a tense atmosphere during jury selection.
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Jury Selection in Trump's Hush Money Trial in New York
For this episode of Trump's Trials, All Things Considered host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with NPR political reporter Ximena Bustillo.
After just three days of jury selection, 12 New Yorkers have been seated in former President Donald Trump's hush money trial.
Trump is charged with 34 felony counts for allegedly falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The 12 are made up of seven men and five women, all of whom said they could be fair and impartial to Trump. Judge Juan Merchan hopes to select five alternates on Friday. Opening statements could begin as early as Monday.
Topics include: - Jury selection process - Trump in the courtroom