Former President Donald Trump spent his Friday morning in a Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, seated at the defense table alongside his legal team. Witnesses observed him diligently reviewing documents, flipping through papers containing charts, photos, or graphics, and engaging in whispered conversations and note-passing with his lawyers. At times, Trump appeared hunched over with his elbows on the desk, occasionally glancing over at the jury box as potential alternate jurors were questioned about their impartiality.
Trump's demeanor alternated between looking at the jurors and facing straight ahead while his defense team and prosecutors interacted with the jury pool. Prior to entering the courtroom, Trump expressed frustration with the legal proceedings, stating that he believed he should be on the campaign trail rather than in court for another day.
Additionally, Trump criticized a gag order that prohibits him from making statements about witnesses, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and family members of key individuals involved in the case. Prosecutors have alleged that Trump violated this order at least seven times through recent social media posts.
