All 12 Jurors Selected for Trump Trial... Main Trial to Begin Next Week

All 12 jurors who will determine the guilt or innocence in the trial over former U.S. President Donald Trump's alleged 'hush money' related to a sexual misconduct scandal have been selected. The main trial is expected to begin next week.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 18th (local time), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others reported that on the third day of the criminal trial and the third day of jury selection, Trump's defense team and the prosecution selected 12 jurors and 1 alternate juror.

The confirmed jury consists of 5 women and 7 men. According to WSJ, this includes an investment banker who follows former President Trump on social media, a physical therapist who enjoys running, a security engineer, and a retired asset manager. Specific identities are kept anonymous due to security concerns.

Two jurors who had been previously selected were excluded from the list on this day. One of them had stated the day before that they could not participate in a fair trial due to concerns about personal information disclosure. WSJ noted, "Their dismissal shows how difficult it is to find jurors in Manhattan." Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the trial, said, "There is a reason for the anonymous jury measure," and warned the media to avoid detailed reporting, stating, "Too much information disclosure would defeat the purpose."

Of the 6 alternate candidates, the remaining 5 are expected to be selected by the 19th. Contrary to expectations that jury selection would take a considerable amount of time, it was completed quickly, and the main trial is also expected to begin next week. Judge Merchan administered the oath to the selected jurors and requested their return on the morning of the 22nd, when the first arguments of the criminal trial are scheduled.

On the same day, the prosecution pointed out that former President Trump violated the gag order a total of seven times since the 15th and requested sanctions once again. Previously, Judge Merchan had issued a gag order to Trump, instructing him not to disparage witnesses, prosecutors, court staff, or jurors related to this trial.

Former President Trump was indicted on 34 counts for paying 'hush money' to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels to prevent the disclosure of their past sexual relationship just before the 2016 presidential election and for falsifying company records related to those payments. This case is one of four criminal trials Trump is facing and is the only trial with a confirmed schedule before the November election.

Currently, Trump's side denies all charges. Before leaving the courtroom that day, Trump stated, "I plan to be in New Hampshire, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina (for election campaigns)" and claimed that this criminal trial is a "scam" targeting him.