As former President Donald Trump's hush money trial gets underway, the jury selection process proves to be a crucial stage in determining the impartiality of the jurors. The trial revolves around 34 counts of falsifying business records where Trump allegedly instructed his former fixer, Michael Cohen, to pay off adult actor Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged affair.

During the week-long jury selection process, both the prosecution and defense teams sought to identify potential "stealth jurors" - individuals who may hide their biases to sway the trial's outcome. Jurors are expected to be impartial, but some prospective jurors admitted to having strong opinions that may hinder their ability to remain fair.

Steve Duffy from Trial Behavior Consulting explains that stealth jurors purposely conceal their opinions to secure a spot on the jury. Both sides engaged in extensive background research on the potential jurors, including scrutinizing their social media posts, criminal records, and political affiliations. The goal was to uncover any inclinations that could potentially influence their judgment.

Manhattan prosecutors posed several questions to the potential jurors, emphasizing the importance of following the facts, evidence, and the judge's instructions. The defense, on the other hand, primarily asked potential jurors about their opinions of Trump, aiming to gauge their personal biases.

The trial's venue in New York City presents a challenge for Trump's defense team as the area leans heavily Democratic, with President Joe Biden securing 84.5% of the vote in Manhattan in 2020. However, the defense only needs to secure a mistrial by persuading one juror to refuse to convict.

Recently, controversy arose when Fox News personality Jesse Watters shared identifying details about one of the seated jurors, sparking baseless speculation about "undercover liberal activists." Trump echoed these claims on his social media platform, leading to concerns about juror intimidation and violating the court's gag order. Prosecutors have indicated that Trump violated the protective order multiple times during the trial and will request the judge to take appropriate action.

Trial consultant Steve Duffy highlights the diligence of both the prosecution and defense teams in assessing potential jurors. He also notes that the issue of stealth jurors occurs on both sides, with individuals seeking to influence the trial's outcome or those fearful for their safety due to involvement in the case.

As the trial progresses, the seating of an impartial jury becomes essential to ensure a fair verdict. The prosecution aims for a unanimous decision to avoid a mistrial, while Trump's defense team seeks to disrupt the trial's momentum. The outcome of this high-profile trial will have significant implications for both the former president and the justice system as a whole.

The trial is ongoing, and further developments are expected to unfold as the jury listens to the evidence and arguments put forth by both sides. A hearing to address Trump's alleged violations of the protective order is scheduled for April 23rd.