Summary

Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, is facing 34 felony charges for allegedly falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The trial in Manhattan has seen intense jury selection, with 7 jurors selected so far after questioning about political views and ability to be impartial. Key witnesses like Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, who facilitated payments, are expected to testify. As the first-ever criminal trial of a former president, the case hinges on whether jurors view Trump's actions as intentionally falsifying business records or a simple mix up with the accounting division.

For those who read...

Donald Trump's Hush Money case, the first ever criminal case against a former U.S. president, continues to progress as 7 jurors have now been selected over the first two days of jury selection.

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The trial, happening in Manhattan, has already seen some major moments as the difficult process of finding an impartial jury plays out. Trump is facing 34 felony charges for allegedly falsifying business records to cover up hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Specifically, the allegations claim that he falsified business documents through his company, the Trump Organization, to hide allegations of him engaging in sexual encounters with two adult film stars in 2006, as it might have hurt his 2016 presidential election campaign.

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Adding to the allegations, Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, admitted to making two payments: $130,000 to Daniels and $150,000 to Playboy model Karen McDougal.

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According to the prosecutors, Trump then reimbursed Cohen with an additional bonus for his actions, which were falsely logged in Trump Organization records as legal expenses.

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Cohen has pleaded guilty to violating federal campaign finance laws in relation to the payments made.

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On the other hand, Trump has pleaded not guilty to the 34 felony counts, stating from the courthouse, "I was paying a lawyer and marked it down as a legal expense." He continued to back his stance, calling the charges a political "witch hunt."

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The seven jurors selected so far include an IT worker, an English teacher, a nurse, a sales professional, a software engineer, and two lawyers. Jurors were chosen after intense questioning about their political views, social media posts, and ability to be fair in this high-profile case. The trial awaits the selection of 11 additional jurors before proceedings can begin.

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During the jury selection process, Judge Juan Merchan, known for not tolerating disruption in the courthouse, called out Trump. Judge Merchan said, "I won't tolerate that. I will not have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom," after Trump was seen muttering and gesturing while lawyers were questioning a potential juror.

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Prosecutors have instructed prospective jurors that the case centers on whether Trump broke the law, not the merits of his presidency. Conversely, Trump's legal team has emphasized their client's desire for a "fair shake" and an impartial panel to judge the case.

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Key witnesses like Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, who facilitated the Daniels payment, are expected to testify. The prosecution may also present evidence of additional payments as part of their alleged "wide-ranging scheme."

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If convicted of the Class E felony charges, Trump faces a potential sentence of up to four years in prison, though he could alternatively receive probation. Opening statements in the trial could begin as early as next Monday if the full jury is seated in time.

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As the first-ever criminal trial of a former U.S. president, the high-profile case will hinge on whether the 12 jurors view Trump's actions as intentionally falsifying business records or a simple accounting mix-up.

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Trump's criminal hush money trial has its first seven jurors | Reuters

First 7 jurors are chosen for Trump’s hush money criminal trial; 11 more still needed | AP News

Trump’s historic hush money trial gets underway; 1st day ends without any jurors being picked | AP News

Trump will be first ex-president on criminal trial. Here’s what to know about the hush money case | AP News