If you’re just joining us, here’s what to know about how the case has played out this morning.
Donald Trump appeared outside court, where he railed against his trial and said he should instead be campaigning in Pennsylvania.
The former president took his seat between his attorneys as jury selection resumed for the second day. As jurors spoke, the former president was frequently seen flipping through the jury questionnaire, often leaning back in his chair.
Throughout the morning, at least eight potential jurors were excused. Here are some of the reasons why:
- One said it was “probably going to be tough” to be impartial. He acknowledged he was from Texas and had lots of Republican friends.
- A few potential jurors said they didn’t think they could be fair and impartial – including one woman who said she subscribed to anti-Trump newsletters at one point.
- Others listed concerns about the strain jury duty would put on their work.
Eighteen potential jurors made it through the questionnaire phase in which they were questioned by the district attorney’s office and Trump’s lawyers.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass asked the potential jurors whether they thought it was possible to not hold witnesses to “unrealistic standards.” Trump attorney Todd Blanche said he was going to test whether the potential jurors could be fair and impartial, since this was unlike any other case.
Trump was asked to leave the room, and his team said they needed more time to discuss with the former president whom they would strike from the jury.
Separately from jury selection, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said Trump’s social media posts violated the gag order imposed by Judge Juan Merchan. The prosecutors are asking the court to fine Trump $1,000 per violation. Merchan scheduled a hearing on the district attorney’s motion on April 23 at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Court will resume at 2:15 p.m. ET.
What comes next: Merchan said attorneys for both sides will begin to use their peremptory strikes on potential jurors they believe will not help their case. Both sides have 10 strikes they are allowed to use for the entire jury selection process. After those jurors are excused, the judge said they will move on to the six jurors who have not been questioned among this group. After they are questioned, Merchan said he wants to bring in a second panel of prospective jurors today.