Trump only spoke three times during Monday’s session, acknowledging to the judge he understood his rights as a criminal defendant. Throughout the day Trump often engaged with his attorneys, whispering to them and sharing notes as they debated motions with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Trump looked toward Merchan as the judge addressed the prospective jurors to explain the case and their instructions as potential jurors. Entering and exiting the courtroom, Trump had to walk right past Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought this case against Trump and was seated in the fourth row behind his prosecutors. Trump will be back at the defendant’s table on Tuesday, when Merchan will continue questioning the prospective jurors who could ultimately decide whether to convict Trump in the first criminal trial of a former president.

---

Persons: Donald Trump, –, Trump, Juan Merchan slogged, ” Trump, Merchan, Todd Blanche, Emil Bove, Blanche, Jean Carroll, Michael Cohen, Attorney Alvin Bragg, Bragg,  Trump Organizations: CNN, Republican, Manhattan, Attorney’s, Trump, Attorney Locations: Manhattan, Merchan