Jury selection is underway as Donald Trump heads into the second day of the historic hush money trial in New York.
Monday marked the start of Trump’s first criminal trial in a matter involving a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 election.
Monday’s trial begins with jury selection in which hundreds of New Yorkers must be whittled down to 12 people and six alternates. That process is expected to last at least several days before opening arguments begin and star witnesses take the stand.
The former president briefly addressed cameras before entering the courtroom on Tuesday.
“I should be right now in Pennsylvania, in Florida, in many other states, in North Carolina, Georgia, campaigning. This is all coming form the Biden White House because the guy can’t put two sentences together,” Trump said.
The first prospective juror who was set to answer the questionnaire on Tuesday was excused after reporting flu-like symptoms.
Judge Merchan said there are a total of 32 jurors at the start of the day. More than 500 total prospective jurors are being considered.
Jury selection is now formally underway beginning with a man originally from Texas who was excused after saying he believes he has “some unconscious bias” that could impact his judgment.
“Growing up, a bunch of family and friends were Republicans, it’s probably going to be tough for me to be impartial,” the man said, eliciting a smile from Trump attorney Todd Blanche.
After a huddle with the lawyers at the bench, the judge said, “We appreciate your candor, we’re going to have to excuse you at this time.”
Mencken should be on trial not Trump!!