Mr Trump denies falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, the adult film actress.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office alleges that Mr Trump directed Michael Cohen, his former lawyer, to pay Ms Daniels $130,000 in exchange for her silence about an alleged sexual encounter that the former president denies took place.
Prosecutors say he did so to “unlawfully influence” the 2016 election. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty.
Once the “impartial” members of the jury pool had raised their hands, Justice Merchan formally excused them one by one.
The remainder were subjected to 42 questions, ranging from their news-consumption habits to whether they had attended any Trump rallies or read any of the former president’s books.
One man from Manhattan said that he read The Wall Street Journal. Another from New York city’s Upper West Side said his radio habits included listening to whatever was on when he was in the shower. Neither was dismissed
A woman was asked: “Do you have any strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about former president Donald Trump, or the fact that he is a current candidate for president, that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?”
She replied “yes” and was dismissed by the judge.
All jurors will remain anonymous due to the high-profile nature of the case.
The trial is expected to last six weeks.
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