Judge Juan Merchan has instructed the jury in the hush money case against former President Donald Trump to refrain from reading or researching about the case, citing valid reasons, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Sources revealed that Trump made statements that will not be presented as evidence in court, emphasizing the importance of the jury's impartiality and reliance on the information presented during the trial.
Following the court session on Monday, Trump addressed reporters in the hallway, where he minimized the indictment and criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen.
During his remarks, Trump alleged that DA Bragg was reluctant to pursue the case, a statement that may not be verified in court proceedings. Legal experts highlighted that such statements made outside the courtroom aim to influence public opinion rather than the jury's decision.
It was noted that Trump's comments were strategically crafted to shape the narrative surrounding the case, potentially impacting public perception. Trump, who is speculated to be a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is leveraging his public statements to sway public sentiment.
Judge Merchan also emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the jury by urging members to report any attempts at jury tampering or external influence promptly. The judge reminded jurors of their commitment to serving as fair and impartial arbiters of justice during the trial.
