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Thursday, Aug 20, 2026

Donald Trump Labels Hush Money Trial a 'Mess' as Jury Selection Nears Completion: 12 Jurors Selected, Including Sales Professional, Software Engineer, English Teacher, and Multiple Lawyers

Former President Donald Trump called the ongoing hush money trial against him a "mess" after the jury, which includes a sales professional, a software engineer, an English teacher, and multiple lawyers, was selected.
Trump expressed frustration over being in New York for the trial instead of campaigning for the 2024 presidential election in states like Georgia, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.

Former President Trump looked "bored" during his trial in the first criminal case against a US president.

Trump displayed a stack of news stories and editorials critical of the case while continuing to rail against it.

All 12 jurors have been seated, including a sales professional, software engineer, English teacher, and multiple lawyers.

The jury consists of seven men and five women.

Hundreds of potential jurors were questioned by lawyers about their hobbies, social media posts, and opinions of Trump.

Judge Juan Merchan dismissed over half of a second group of prospective jurors for the trial due to concerns about their ability to be fair and impartial.

One juror was dismissed after expressing doubts she had developed overnight.

The challenge now is to select six alternate jury members before the trial can proceed to opening statements, with the judge optimistic this will be accomplished on Friday.
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