As the first criminal trial of former President Donald Trump progresses, the jury selection process has been eventful. By the end of Thursday, the main jury had been seated, with only five alternates left to be chosen on Friday.
We Have Our Jury
After exhausting their peremptory strikes, both Trump's attorneys and the district attorney's office finalized the main jury. The judge dismissed Trump's challenges to remove jurors who expressed negative opinions about him, emphasizing that personal feelings towards Trump's persona were not sufficient grounds for removal. The seated jury comprises seven men and five women.
Jurors' Opinions on Trump
During Thursday's proceedings, some jurors openly shared their unfavorable views on Trump's politics and behavior. Despite their personal opinions, they expressed confidence in their ability to remain fair and impartial. One juror described Trump as selfish and self-serving, stating, 'I don't like his persona, but I don't try to sabotage others' work.'
Challenges Faced with the Jury
The day began with a juror from Tuesday requesting dismissal due to concerns about the public disclosure of aspects of her identity. Another juror was excused after prosecutors questioned the accuracy of his responses during the selection process.
DA's Office Keeps Witnesses Confidential
Trump's attorney requested information on the first three witnesses the district attorney's office plans to call, but the request was denied. The prosecutors cited Trump's social media posts about potential witnesses as a reason for withholding this information.
Next Steps
With 22 prospective jurors remaining from the second panel, the selection process will continue on Friday to finalize the five alternate jurors. If the process concludes swiftly, a Sandoval hearing will be held to discuss Trump's legal history and its potential use if he decides to testify.
