By NEW YORK: In the ongoing trial of former US President Donald Trump, the selection of neutral jurors proves to be a daunting task as five more potential jurors were dismissed on Tuesday. The trial, held in New York City, seeks to assemble a panel of 12 residents from heavily Democratic Manhattan to impartially judge Trump’s criminal case.
According to Reuters, of the 96 potential jurors summoned on Monday, nearly half were excused due to an inability to impartially assess the divisive figure of Trump, who is simultaneously pursuing a White House comeback bid while facing four separate criminal cases.
Dismissed jurors on Tuesday cited scheduling conflicts, concerns about balancing jury duty with work commitments, or admitted they couldn’t be fair after further reflection. One juror, with ties to the finance sector and a Republican-leaning social circle, expressed concerns about implicit bias.
Among those retained for further questioning was an asset manager from Lazard originally from Mexico and a corporate lawyer from Oregon who enjoys outdoor activities and reads major newspapers.
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Trump, seated at the defence table, occasionally shielded his face with a piece of paper as jurors responded to inquiries. His presence in the courtroom marks a significant turn for the former New York celebrity known for his tabloid presence but lacking support in the heavily Democratic city.
The trial, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, accuses Trump of 34 felony counts related to concealing hush-money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump denies the encounter and all charges.
While the trial focuses on past events, recent social media posts critical of witnesses led prosecutors to request fines for Trump under a gag order, sparking further legal contention.
As the trial proceeds, Trump maintains his innocence, labeling the case as politically motivated. Despite legal challenges, the trial’s outcome could shape Trump’s future political aspirations, with potential implications for the upcoming November election.
