Donald Trump’s first criminal trial started yesterday at the Manhattan Criminal Court at 100 Centre Street, where the anticipation of a future Trump conviction is looming large. The world is now witnessing the unprecedented criminal trial of a former US president.
It took 417 years since the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, VA for a US president to act so desperately criminal as to be forced into prosecution. There have been a great deal of shady things politicians and presidents have done over those years, but none of it has resulted in a criminal trial. Impressive, Donny; very impressive.
Trump traveled to the courthouse and arrived in his usual royal like manner with no less than twelve SUVs in a convoy with a NYC Police escort blocking the roadway for commuters in Manhattan. Former US presidents normally have a modest Secret Service detail protecting them, but not Trump, who’s narcissistic psychosis requires him to overdo everything, so his faux imperial image is visible at all times.
Today starts the beginning of jury selection, a process which is normally straightforward, but, as with anything Trump-related, will be filled with complexities due to his political profile. The potential jurors, known collectively as the venire, have an extensive questionnaire to consider in preparation for their voir dire, the examination of their fitness to be seated on the jury. Trump is such a volatile figure, close attention needs to be paid to the jury make up, both to protect his interests in a fair trial, and the prosecution’s interests to avoid a case of jury nullification.
The network TV shows covering the trial show only a few people standing outside, some who are holding spray-painted signs, one reading “TRUMP CRIMINAL TRIAL.” Security measures are intense, a reminder of the gravity of the situation as former President Trump’s motorcade arrives, punctuating the significance of the proceedings that lay ahead.
Inside the courtroom, which has no video coverage, the atmosphere is serious and methodical, as reported by Tyler McBrien on Twitter (currently operating as X). The proceedings begin with discussions about the jury selection process, reflecting on its challenges and the importance of impartiality. As the defense and prosecution teams take their places, each member’s presence adds weight to the developing narrative of a presidential criminal trial. Trump, reportedly subdued, interacts sporadically with his attorneys, his attention occasionally captured by his phone.
The courtroom dynamic shifts as Judge Merchan addresses the court, rejecting motions for his recusal and emphasizing the court’s commitment to fairness. Arguments about the admissibility of certain pieces of evidence—ranging from past media stories to allegations of past misconduct—illustrate the complex legal strategies at play, highlighting the trial’s potential to branch out into controversial and damaging subjects.
Trump wants to omit any reference to the Access Hollywood tape, and he is successful in that his words (…grab ’em by the pussy…) can be read to the jury, but the recording is so prejudicial to his case, the video cannot be played into evidence.
As the day progressed, the logistical challenges of such a high-profile trial became evident. The process of selecting a fair jury is slow and meticulous, revealing the wide range of personal views and backgrounds of each person.
Each juror’s introduction adds layers to the story, with personal disclosures that hint at the broad implications of the trial’s outcome. As one might expect, there are many people who work directly in finance, or have relatives in the field. So, finding people who don’t have insider or industry knowledge of how poorly Trump has acted in his real estate and financial dealings is difficult to do. After questioning about 10 potential jurors, the first day of the trial winds down, with the reality of the extensive, possibly monumental journey ahead settling in. I can only shake my head in disbelief that he has to sit there for six to eight weeks, silently. It is inconceivable he avoids a contempt sanction for disrupting the trial at some point; he has barely any self-control.
Before the start, during breaks, and afterward, Trump continues to rail against the legitimacy of the legal system, and goad the media into replaying his every lie live on camera. To be fair, his presence is a spectacle for history. He is an old man in failing health, mentally and physically. Maggie Haberman of the NYT reported Trump fell asleep at the defense table multiple times during the day. The Biden campaign seized on this perfectly.
For me, I am delighted Trump is on trial, but it is still a shock that American voters chose Trump and allow him to remain relevant in 2024. For MAGA, they are furious he’s on trial and drive their silly flag bestowed pickup trucks around the courthouse block all day long, like adults do.
I will be writing about the trial every day, and producing some videos and livestreams to discuss my perspectives on what is currently unfolding with all these trials Trump has pending. Stay tuned.
I recognize that there are so many crisis events happening throughout the world. The tragedy in Gaza is unspeakably horrific. The possibility of war between Israel and Iran, with the US military’s cooperation, is becoming clearer each day. Ukraine’s desperate need of arms and support from the US and NATO to avoid an all out collapse by surging Russian forces. Plus the election, the Baltimore bridge incident, severe climate change effects, and terrible things which happen everywhere, every day. The world is in a crisis at the moment.
However, the prosecution of an American president is unprecedented. Trump’s conviction would upend centuries of (mostly) civil behavior by the US executive. It is a signal that America has entered a period of social change that affects all Americans and people everywhere.
America as a shiny object is revered worldwide, but America in practice is a dark shadow of conflicts and inequality. Trump’s eventual conviction will erode the shine a bit, but his potential imprisonment will also reinforce America’s strength of commitment to its idealist foundations of equality under the law.
