In a shocking development, attorneys representing former President Donald Trump are demanding that his recent felony conviction in the hush-money case be thrown out, alleging “grave juror misconduct” during the high-profile trial. The bombshell claim, outlined in a letter to Manhattan judge Juan M Merchan, argues that the alleged misconduct violated Trump’s constitutional rights and rendered the proceedings manifestly unfair.
Accusations of Pervasive Juror Impropriety
Trump’s legal team, led by attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, assert that they possess evidence of “extensive and pervasive misconduct” by members of the jury, which they contend undermines the validity of the guilty verdicts. The heavily redacted letter, dated December 3 but only recently made public, argues vehemently that “the jury in this case was not anywhere near fair and impartial.”
While the specifics of the alleged misconduct remain shrouded in secrecy, the accusation alone is sending shockwaves through the legal community. If substantiated, it could potentially derail the conviction that many saw as a significant blow to Trump’s political aspirations and personal reputation.
A Conviction Mired in Controversy
In May, a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush-money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. The payment, which Trump has long denied was connected to an alleged affair, was central to the prosecution’s case.
From the outset, Trump and his allies have denounced the charges as politically motivated, characterizing the trial as a witch hunt designed to kneecap his 2024 White House bid. Despite pleading not guilty, the guilty verdict was widely seen as a remarkable fall from grace for the former president.
Battling for a Dismissal
The allegations of juror impropriety are the latest salvo in Trump’s multi-pronged legal strategy to have the case dismissed and his conviction overturned. His attorneys have previously sought to have the charges thrown out on the grounds of presidential immunity, a claim that Judge Merchan rejected just one day before the juror misconduct allegations came to light.
Trump’s legal team is now urging Merchan to consider the misconduct claims as he weighs the defense’s motions to dismiss the case in light of Trump’s return to the White House in the 2024 election. The judge indefinitely postponed sentencing last month to allow both sides to present arguments on how the case should proceed given Trump’s electoral victory.
Prosecutors Push Back
In a reply letter, the Manhattan district attorney’s office took aim at the misconduct allegations, deeming them “seemingly inaccurate” and “vague.” Prosecutors also pointed out that the individual who was the source of the misconduct claim informed Trump’s attorneys that their summary of the allegations “contains inaccuracies.”
Adding to the intrigue, Trump’s lawyers are opposing a hearing to explore the alleged juror misconduct, arguing it would entail “extensive, time-consuming, and invasive fact-finding” that could interfere with the transition process as Trump prepares to reassume the presidency. Prosecutors contend this stance is an attempt to compel Merchan “to accept their untested, unsworn allegations as true.”
A Looming Decision
As the legal drama unfolds, all eyes are on Judge Merchan, who faces the unenviable task of determining the credibility and impact of the misconduct claims while also grappling with the unprecedented situation of a president-elect under felony conviction.
With Trump’s lawyers clamoring for the verdict to be tossed and prosecutors standing firm, the stage is set for a momentous decision that could have far-reaching implications not only for Trump’s personal fate but for the nation as a whole. As the world watches and waits, one thing is certain: the final chapter in this extraordinary saga has yet to be written.
