The Latest | Lawyers set to focus on picking alternates as Trump’s hush money trial resumes

NEW YORK (CNN) – The hush money trial of former President Donald Trump is set to resume Friday after a tumultuous day that saw two jurors dismissed and all 12 jurors and one alternate finally sworn in. The seating of the jurors brings the trial one step closer to opening statements and puts the spotlight on Trump’s legal troubles as he continues his campaign against President Joe Biden.

The hush money case is the first of Trump’s four indictments to reach trial, focusing on alleged payoffs to porn actor Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal, who claimed to have had sexual encounters with Trump. Prosecutors allege that Trump obscured the true nature of these payments in business documents, while Trump maintains that the encounters never took place.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and could face up to four years in prison if convicted. The judge has yet to determine whether Trump will be incarcerated.

Following the dismissal of two jurors on Thursday, lawyers are now working on selecting additional alternates, with the possibility of opening statements beginning as early as Monday. Trump’s dual role as a criminal defendant and political candidate will be put to the test as he navigates the trial while campaigning against Biden.

During the trial, Judge Juan M. Merchan is expected to consider a request from prosecutors to address Trump’s previous legal entanglements if he testifies. Prosecutors are interested in questioning Trump about a recent civil fraud trial where he was hit with a $454 million judgment for allegedly lying about his wealth over the years. Trump is appealing this verdict.

Trump has vocally denied any wrongdoing and painted himself as a victim of a politically motivated justice system. He has criticized the judge, prosecutors, and potential witnesses on social media, leading prosecutors to seek sanctions for potential violations of a gag order.

After Thursday’s court proceedings, Trump expressed frustration to reporters, claiming that the trial is unjust and interfering with his campaign efforts. He characterized the trial as a “New York scam” that is being watched by the whole world.

As the trial continues, the political and legal implications for Trump remain significant, with the outcome potentially impacting both his presidential aspirations and his legal standing.

Stay tuned for further updates on the trial as jury selection progresses and opening statements draw closer.

Written by staticwire