Juan Merchan admonishes ex-president for ‘gesturing and speaking in the direction of the juror’ as jury selection continues
Donald Trump met a stern rebuke on Tuesday from the jurist presiding over his criminal hush-money trial, with the judge warning: “I won’t have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom.”
Trump’s apparent misbehavior did not derail the trial’s progress; seven jurors were picked by day’s end.
Judge Juan Merchan’s comment came shortly after jury selection resumed after lunch. Trump’s team had found video on one possible juror’s social media that appeared to show a street celebration over his loss in the 2020 election.
She was called in to answer questions about it, and when she left, Merchan directly addressed Trump’s lawyers. “Your client was audible,” Merchan said, noting that she was just 12ft from him.
“It was audible. He was gesturing and he was speaking in the direction of the juror,” Merchan said, insisting he would not accept such behavior.
“I will not have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom,” Merchan admonished. “Take a minute to speak to your client.”
Merchan’s warning to Trump marked a sharp diversion from what was otherwise a relatively routine jury selection process.
Yeah, but this is day two of a criminal procedure. To date, Trump has only FAFO’d on civil trials. Shit’s about to get real different if he plays around in the same way.
This shit has actual consequences.
Press (x) to doubt
Wake me up when he faces actual consequences
You should probably set an alarm if you have shit to do.
“Alexa, set an alarm for ‘fucking never.’”
the cheering will get you up when it happens.
People have been saying shit like this since before he was elected.
A warning and belittlement. “Talk to your client”. The godfather wasn’t addressed.