Jury selection for Donald Trump’s hush money trial in New York is set to begin on Monday. Leading up to the trial, the former president has been launching a series of attacks against the judge, prosecutors, and potential witness Michael Cohen, his former personal attorney.
Major news organizations are urging both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump to engage in a debate. The call for a debate comes as the nation grapples with important issues and seeks leadership on critical matters. News organizations recognize the significance of a debate in shedding light on policy positions, answering tough questions, and providing a platform for candidates to articulate their visions for the future. The pressure on Biden and Trump to debate reflects the public’s desire for transparency, accountability, and a thorough vetting of ideas.
In a recent post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump criticized Judge Juan Merchan, referring to him as “the most highly conflicted Judge in New York State history.” Trump also made the unsubstantiated claim that District Attorney Alvin Bragg had illegally concealed and withheld documents from him.
On Saturday, Trump accused the D.A.’s office of being corrupt and using it for the purpose of interfering in the election against Joe Biden’s political opponent. He also criticized Merchan, stating that he is completely conflicted and corrupt.
In March, Merchan imposed a gag order to prevent Trump from criticizing potential witnesses regarding their possible involvement in the trial. Prior to the issuance of the gag order, Trump’s lawyers were trying to prevent him from getting entangled in unnecessary trouble, as one Trump adviser disclosed to Rolling Stone.
In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump called out his former fixer Michael Cohen, who is anticipated to be a crucial witness for the prosecution, accusing him of lying. Cohen has already confessed to lying to Congress in 2017 about Trump’s real estate development plans in Moscow. Additionally, Cohen has admitted to making a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels on behalf of Trump, in exchange for her silence about their affair. This payment is the basis for his forthcoming trial.
“Has the disgraced attorney and felon, Michael Cohen, faced consequences for his dishonesty?” Trump inquired on Saturday. (The answer is yes, as Cohen has pleaded guilty.)
Most voters polled believe that Trump has committed serious crimes, according to the results.
Two weeks ago, Merchan’s daughter was targeted by Trump in a Truth Social post, where he shared photos of her. Prior to this incident, Trump had already attacked Merchan’s daughter on two separate occasions.
In a recent development, Trump made a request for an indefinite delay in the trial. The defense argued that the media coverage preceding the case was “exceptionally prejudicial,” but the request was denied by Merchan.
“The defendant’s request for an indefinite adjournment is not feasible,” responded Merchan on Friday. Merchan pointed out that Trump himself has actively sought media attention for the trial. “The defendant is no stranger to the current situation, and he bears some responsibility for it.”
According to Merchan, Trump seems to believe that his case is unique and that the pre-trial publicity will never die down. However, Merchan disagrees with this view, stating that questioning potential jurors will help determine their impartiality.
If Trump is convicted of a felony in this or any other trial before the election, it is possible that this would prevent him from being able to vote for himself in November.
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