Donald Trump’s trial over hush money begins with jury selection, presenting a challenging task in a city known for its strong political opinions.
Both sides’ lawyers are looking for fair jurors amid New York City’s Democratic dominance and strong feelings about Trump.
Even though opinions about Trump are strong, potential jurors won’t be dismissed just because of their political views.
This trial is historic because Trump is the first U.S. president to face criminal charges. A conviction wouldn’t stop him from running for office again, but it could affect how voters see him in the next election.
Trump’s legal battles are a big part of his political story, with frequent social media attacks on the legal system.
During jury selection, questions focus on Trump’s presidency, showing how political the trial is.
Donald Trump sits in the trial (Via Peter Jones/Getty Images)
The jury questionnaire asks about attending Trump rallies, following him on social media, and opinions about how he handled the hush money case.
But there are also questions about jobs, education, and what news people follow. Some questions are private to protect jurors’ personal information.
Even with efforts to keep things private, potential jurors face questions from both sides. Trump’s lawyers want to find jurors who might support him, while prosecutors want jurors with more liberal views.
Choosing a jury is hard with such strong political feelings. Prosecutors want to win in a time of political tension, while Trump’s lawyers are working hard to protect him.
Jeff Frederick, a trial consultant, says the political mood helps the government, but one juror could change everything. With so much at stake and strategy so important, finding a fair jury is a big job for everyone involved.
