Former President Donald Trump made a fiery statement on Friday, calling for the "unfair" gag order to be lifted in his hush money criminal trial, as attorneys on both sides concluded jury selection. Speaking to reporters outside Manhattan Supreme Court, Trump asserted that he should be allowed to speak and criticized the restriction on his constitutional rights.

The gag order, imposed by Justice Juan Merchan, prohibits Trump from publicly commenting on witnesses, jurors, court staff, and individuals related to the judge and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office, who are prosecuting the case. Bragg's office has twice requested that Trump be held in contempt of court for allegedly breaching the order, seeking a $3,000 fine and a potential jail sentence.

In his argument, Trump claimed that he should be able to respond to statements made about him and expressed his desire to be transparent, emphasizing that he and his team "did absolutely nothing wrong." He voiced his frustration that while others can freely express themselves and spread falsehoods, he is constrained from telling the truth.

Bragg's office accused Trump of violating the gag order multiple times, including by posting on social media about his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who is slated to be a key witness at the trial. Alongside the fine, prosecutors are seeking a warning to Trump about the possibility of being jailed for up to 30 days if held in contempt of court. Justice Merchan announced that he will address the matter on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, jury selection resumed on Friday morning to choose the final five alternate jurors for the trial. A jury of 12 had been finalized the previous day, consisting of seven men and five women, with one alternate selected at that time. By early afternoon, the remaining five alternates had been chosen. Opening arguments are scheduled to begin on Monday morning.

The charges brought forth by Bragg's office allege that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment made by Michael Cohen to former adult film actress, Stormy Daniels, during the 2016 election. The payment was intended to keep her silent about alleged affair allegations. Trump has vehemently denied the charges, labeling them a "hoax" and "election interference." Additionally, he has repeatedly criticized Justice Merchan, referring to him as a "Trump hating judge" and urging his recusal due to the judge's daughter's involvement in Democratic political campaigns.

As the historic trial progresses, all eyes remain on the courtroom, awaiting the outcome of this high-profile case.