Trump Trial Judge Directs Media To Limit Disclosure Of Juror Information

UPDATE: Judge Juan Merchan directed media outlets to limit reporting on identifying information about jurors in the Trump hush money trial.

Merchan excused one of the seven jurors selected so far after she complained of getting messages from friends and family members questioning her identity as a jury. She then said that she did not think that she could be fair and impartial.

Merchan has restricted the names of the jurors as they are questioned in open court. But other information, like their backgrounds and workplaces, have been disclosed as they have been questioned as part of the jury selection process.

The judge said that he is going to have the answers to questions about employers redacted from the court record, but he also asked press in the courtroom and an overflow room not to report on them.

“It’s become a problem,” the judge said.

The judge also complained about reporting on personal characteristics of jurors, specifically mentioning reporting that one of the jurors had an Irish accent.

The excusal of the juror means that six so far are seated in the case. Jury selection is continuing today, with an additional six needed along with alternates.

PREVIOUSLY: Donald Trump arrived at a Manhattan courthouse this morning for the third day in his hush money trial, but there are new questions as to whether he will be admonished in any form after posting an attack on potential jurors.

On Truth Social, Trump posted an on-air quote from Fox News host Jesse Watters, one of his long time defenders. The quote read, “They are catching undercover Liberal Activists lying to the Judge in order to get on the Trump Jury.”

Judge Juan Merchan’s partial gag order restricts Trump from commenting on jurors or potential jurors, as well as expected witnesses in the case and courtroom staff. Prosecutors already are asking the judge to fine Trump for violating the order for his attacks on his former attorney Michael Cohen and former porn actress Stormy Daniels.

As in most trials, judges are particularly protective of jurors, with Merchan shielding the public disclosure of the names of the jurors. The judge on Tuesday warned Trump’s attorneys, “I will not have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom.” That followed Trump’s audible muttering as a prospective juror was being questioned.

So far, seven people have been sworn in to serve on the jury in the case, with addition selection slated for today and Friday. The judge has said that he expects opening statements on Monday.