Trump's Criminal Hush Money Trial Resumes With Jury Selection: Live Updates - The New York Times

The Nugget

The criminal trial of Donald J. Trump related to the hush-money scandal has begun with jury selection, focusing attention on the challenge of selecting impartial jurors in a highly politicized environment and the broader impact on Trump's political future, including his eligibility to run and possible outcomes if convicted.

Key quotes

"The trial’s very premise is that prosecutors believe Mr. Trump orchestrated an election interference scheme."
"Congress is not going to disqualify him... because it would be on legally shaky ground."
"In practice, the election of an incarcerated president would create a legal crisis."
"No one knows,” what would happen if Trump is elected from prison, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the trial."

Jury selection is pivotal and challenging due to political biases and the high profile of the case. Trump's legal team aims for a jury with younger Black men and white working-class men, while prosecutors may target more educated voters from Democratic neighborhoods.
Over 50 of the first 96 potential jurors were excused immediately due to biases, demonstrating the difficulty of assembling an impartial jury.
Potential jurors are asked about their political activities, media consumption, and feelings toward Trump to determine their suitability.

Trump can run for president even if convicted, as the U.S. Constitution sets minimal eligibility requirements that do not include character or criminal record.
The 14th Amendment's disqualification for engaging in insurrection does not apply to Trump after Supreme Court rulings, meaning his candidacy cannot be blocked on these grounds.
Conviction could impact Trump's voter registration status, predominantly in Florida where felons are disenfranchised, but does not stop him from running for or potentially being elected as president.

If elected while facing convictions, legal and constitutional crises could arise, including suits for Trump's release to fulfill presidential duties or potential use of the 25th Amendment.
Trump could try to pardon himself for federal charges or have an appointed attorney general withdraw charges, though state convictions would remain unaffected.
The Department of Justice's policy against indicting a sitting president might be invoked, drawing parallels with past scenarios but presenting unprecedented challenges given Trump's unique situation.

🗳️ Trump's eligibility to run: The U.S. Constitution allows Trump to run for president, regardless of any criminal convictions.
⚖️ 14th Amendment: The Supreme Court ruling means political convictions won't automatically disqualify presidential candidates.
🤔 What if scenario: If elected from prison, Trump's situation could mark a legal first, potentially invoking the 25th Amendment or self-pardon debates.
📚 In the spotlight: Jury selection spotlights the challenge of finding impartial jurors in a politically charged case, underscoring the polarization in American politics.

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.