Justice: Jury for hush money trial against Trump is in place

The jury for the hush money trial against Donald Trump has been set: After around three days of questioning in the first criminal trial against a former US president, the public prosecutor, defense and the presiding judge agreed on twelve jurors, as journalists present in the courtroom unanimously reported. A replacement juror has already been found.

Judge Juan Merchan said that about five more replacement jurors will now be sought before the opening statements can possibly begin on Monday. Speaking to journalists after the end of the court day, Trump again criticized the proceedings as a farce. “I was supposed to be campaigning in a lot of places, but I was here all day in a process that is really very unfair,” said the Republican, who wants to be re-elected US President in November.

Worry that identity could become public

The jury selection was difficult. Two jury members who had already been appointed on Tuesday were released again. One woman was worried that her identity would become public. One man had doubts about the credibility of some of his statements. Dozens of candidates stated from the outset that they did not see themselves in a position to come to a fair verdict – and were then released.

The case against Trump involves hush money payments to a porn actress. The public prosecutor’s office accuses him of falsifying business documents. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

According to the court, the process could take up to eight weeks. If convicted, the 77-year-old faces a prison sentence of several years, which could also be suspended. Trump would also have the opportunity to appeal. Even after a possible conviction – and even in the event of a prison sentence – Trump is likely to run in the presidential election.

Trump denies affair

The background to the case is that Trump had $130,000 in hush money paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels in 2016, shortly before his election as president. She had claimed to have had sex with him. Trump denies an affair, but does not deny that money was flowed. Non-disclosure agreements between two parties are not inherently illegal. However, Trump is accused of illegally recording the payments, trying to conceal them illegally and thereby trying to cover up other violations of the law.

Three more criminal trials against Trump are currently being prepared in the USA, including for attempted election fraud and taking secret government documents. There are also numerous civil lawsuits ongoing. The ex-president and his legal team are trying to block the proceedings by all means and have already been partially successful.

The hush money trial involves less serious allegations than the other cases. But according to experts, it is the process that could be completed first. Trump denies all allegations against him and portrays himself as a victim of a politically motivated justice system.