In a hush money trial, seven jurors were selected for the first criminal trial against former US President Donald Trump in New York. The trial involves charges of falsifying business records related to a pay-off made to porn star Stormy Daniels to conceal an affair.
Representatives of the prosecution and defence, along with Judge Juan Merchan, interviewed candidates for the jury before agreeing on seven jurors on Tuesday. The search for five more jurors could continue for several more days.
Trump, a real estate business leader, faces 34 counts of falsifying business records as part of a scheme with his former lawyer Michael Cohen. The pay-off of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels was meant to keep her quiet about an affair she had with Trump in 2006.
Despite admitting to the pay-off, Trump denies any sexual encounter with Daniels. If convicted, he could face up to four years in prison. The trial, once the jury is selected, is expected to last up to eight weeks.
Trump’s lawyers attempted to avert, postpone, or delay the trial until the last minute. Even with a conviction, he could still run in the presidential election. He is also facing three other criminal trials and several civil lawsuits.
The Republican is set for an election rematch with incumbent President Joe Biden in November. The trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday, with high stakes for both Trump and the US political landscape.
