After Donald Trump’s hush money trial came to a dramatic conclusion with prospective jurors leaving the courtroom in tears, the former president sits silently in the defense chair as opening arguments are scheduled to begin on Monday. is looked down upon by other jurors.
“This case will be tried on Monday morning,” Judge Juan Melchan declared at the end of a grueling day in court Friday. There, the final five Manhattan residents were chosen to round out a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates that will decide whether President Trump is illegal. Hidden payments to porn stars before the 2016 election.
The final five substitutes included a handyman who offered to fix the microphones in the courtroom when they started malfunctioning during the trial, and a construction company who said, “I’ll do whatever the kids want.” Includes project managers on the Upper East Side. Things to do in your free time. ”
Trump, 77, did not appear to be enjoying himself as jurors conducted various levels of deliberation.
After yelling at reporters in a hallway this morning about the case and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, he slumped into a chair, closed his eyes and remained motionless for about 30 seconds each time, briefly at least twice. It seemed like he had fallen asleep. .
The trial continued uninterrupted after a man self-immolated outside the courthouse just before the last juror was selected before the noon lunch break.
Sirens could be heard in the overflowing courtroom, but proceedings continued throughout the afternoon as if nothing had happened.
Just before the trial ended that day, Trump tried to stand up, but was told to sit down because the court was technically still in session.
“Sir, please sit down,” Machan told him.
After responding to this, President Trump gave his lawyers a sarcastic look.
Mr. Trump also sat at the defense table wearing a navy blue suit and said nothing as some prospective jurors criticized him to his face.
One female juror cited what she called homophobic comments and “interracial comments of the kind that are cited by President Trump,” and said Trump’s supporters were “emboldened by his rhetoric.” You can feel it when you are there,” he added.
“To be honest, this is a little embarrassing,” the juror added. “I don’t even know what President Trump’s policies are.”
Mr. Machan dismissed her from the case for cause.
Another potential juror was dismissed after she burst into tears shortly after prosecutor Susan Hoffinger began addressing 18 potential jurors during direct questioning.
“I thought I could do it, but I don’t know,” she said. “This is way more stressful than I expected.”
On his way to court, Trump vowed to testify at trial. At the same trial, he was acquitted of 34 counts of falsifying business records for allegedly ordering fixer Michael Cohen to pay Stormy Daniels and then falsifying company files to cover it up. is recognized. Up.
If convicted on all charges, he could face up to four years in prison.
When asked if he would take the witness stand, he said, “Yes.” He then labeled the incident a “witch hunt,” as he did every day during the trial.
President Trump’s lawyer Susan Necheres said in court that the first of about 20 witnesses expected during the six-week trial is scheduled to testify Monday morning after opening statements.
Prosecutors are keeping their list of witnesses close to public, but both Daniels and Cohen are expected to testify against the former president.
