Read the questions prospective Trump jurors have to answer before they’re selected in hush money trial

The jury selection process is tricky in high-profile cases, especially when involving former President Donald Trump. 

The jury is being selected for Trump’s New York hush money case. Judge Juan Merchan indicated that the trial would move forth by outlining his jury selection process in a letter sent to the defense and prosecution. In a typical manner for a trial, possible jurors may excuse themselves before the trial for an “honest, legitimate and good faith reason” they may not be able to serve on the trial. 

After that process, the remaining possible jurors will be asked various questions to determine if they can serve in People v. Donald Trump. 

Trump is accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree in that Trump unlawfully concealed a financial agreement to interfere with the 2016 election. Trump paid Michael Cohen for “legal services,” but the People alleged that those payments were to reimburse Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to keep her quiet about a sexual encounter she had with Trump. 

The judge noted questions were submitted by both parties involved in the trial and were “broad and exhaustive.” New Yorkers selected for the jury will not be asked who they voted for in the past.

Basic juror questions about address, occupation, relationship status, and educational background will be asked. However, some of the following are more unusual in a trial. 

Which of the following print publications, cable and or network programs, or online media such as websites, blogs, or social media platforms do you visit, read, or watch?

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post_, New York Daily News, Newsday, Huffington Post, Washington Post, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Newsmax, MSN, Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Truth Social, X, TikTok, I do not follow the news, and Other (name)

The questionnaire also has questions about prospective jurors’ relation to Trump.

Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for a Trump presidential campaign, the Trump presidential administration, or any other political entity affiliated with Mr. Trump?

Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for Donald Trump?

Do you currently follow Donald Trump?

Have you, a relative, or a close friend ever worked or volunteered for any anti-Trump group or organization? 

Have you ever attended a rally or campaign event for any anti-Trump group or organization?

Have you ever considered yourself a supporter of or belonged to any of the following: the QAnon movement, Proud Boys, Oathkeepers, Three Percenters, Boogaloo Boys, and antifa?

Have you read (or listened to audio of) any of the following books or podcasts by Michael Cohen or Mark Pomerantz? If so, please let us know if what you have heard or read affects your ability to be a fair and impartial juror in this case. 

Disloyal: A Memoir (2020), Mea Culpa (the podcast), Revenge (2022), People Vs. Donald Trump (2023).

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Jurors are also asked if they have read any of Trump’s books. 

Can you promise to set aside anything you may have heard or read about this case and render your verdict based solely on the evidence presented in this courtroom and the law as given to you by the judge?