Selecting impartial jurors for former President Donald Trump’s trial in New York City proves challenging, with five more potential jurors dismissed on Tuesday.
Reasons for Dismissal
Nearly half of the 96 potential jurors summoned on Monday were excused due to an inability to impartially assess Trump. Dismissed jurors cited scheduling conflicts or concerns about fairness.
Challenges Faced by Potential Jurors
One juror expressed concerns about implicit bias due to ties to the finance sector and a Republican-leaning social circle.
Retained Jurors
Among those retained for further questioning were an asset manager from Lazard originally from Mexico and a corporate lawyer from Oregon.
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Trump’s Presence and Response
Trump, present in the courtroom, occasionally shielded his face with a piece of paper as jurors responded to inquiries.
Nature of the Trial
The trial, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, accuses Trump of concealing hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels. Trump denies all charges.
Legal Contention
Recent social media posts critical of witnesses led prosecutors to request fines for Trump under a gag order, sparking further legal contention.
Trump’s Response
Trump maintains his innocence, labeling the case as politically motivated, with potential implications for his future political aspirations.