The first day of the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump in a Manhattan courtroom brought to light several important developments. Here are the key takeaways:
1. Difficulty in Jury Selection
Out of 96 prospective jurors, more than half were dismissed due to concerns about impartiality. None of the remaining potential jurors had read books by Trump or Michael Cohen, nor had they worked or volunteered for Trump.
2. Defense Strategy
The defense is focused on preserving issues for appeal, leading to potential objections and sidebars during the trial. The defense aims to slow down proceedings, which aligns with their strategy of delaying the trial's start.
3. Alleged Violation of Gag Order
Prosecutors accused Trump of violating the gag order by discussing witnesses and the case. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for next Tuesday.
4. Witness Testimony and Evidence
Actress and model Karen McDougal, who alleged an affair with Trump, will be allowed to testify. Prosecutors can introduce National Enquirer stories criticizing Trump's opponents as evidence. However, the court ruled that the 'Access Hollywood' tape cannot be played, deeming it prejudicial. Other sexual assault allegations post-dating the tape's release will also not be brought up by prosecutors.
These developments mark the beginning of a high-profile trial that is expected to last six to eight weeks, with implications for the 2024 election cycle.
