Trump’s hush money trial has 12 jurors seated, and more alternates are being sought

The selection of twelve jurors for the hush money trial of former president Donald Trump in Manhattan has quickly moved the proceedings closer to the formation of a complete panel and the making of opening statements.

Thursday’s jury selection process got off to a sluggish start. Two of the seven jurors who had been chosen at the start of the day were promptly taken off the jury. A jury was excused on the grounds that persons she knew had discovered her involvement in the case through media reporting, while another member was removed from the panel due to concerns raised by the prosecution.

The majority of the remaining day was spent interrogating prospective jurors. Then, in the middle of the day, a swift succession of seven jurors were chosen, making the jury for the trial a total of twelve. At this point, the focus switches to choosing alternatives. So far, one substitute has been selected; five more are required.

The court will reconvene at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, having concluded its session late on Thursday afternoon.