A full panel of 12 jurors has now been selected to decide Donald Trump’s criminal trial in Manhattan, the first for a former American president and a crucial challenge to his bid to regain the Oval Office.
Several more alternate jurors still need to be chosen, but the judge overseeing the case indicated that opening statements could begin on Monday.
Trump is facing 34 felony charges and up to four years in prison, in what might be his only criminal trial before Election Day.
The dismissals appeared to rankle the judge, Juan Merchan, who wants to keep the proceedings on schedule.
He also said he would consider next week whether Trump had repeatedly violated his gag order, as prosecutors said.
Persons:
Donald Trump’s, Juan Merchan, Trump, Prosecutors
Locations:
Manhattan, American