Donald Trump stayed seated Thursday morning as those around him in the New York court stood to be introduced to potential jurors — a show of respect that is traditional.
Reporters described a table full of people on the defense side who immediately stood and faced the jury. Trump didn't stand.
Lawfare editor Tyler McBrien cited the details, reading, " When the defense is introduced to the potential jurors seated in the audience, Trump does not stand up like his legal team does to turn and face them."
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Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti, who has been in criminal law for more than 20 years, said it's the first time he's ever seen that happen.
"I have never observed a defendant refuse to stand and face the jury," he said on the social media site X. "Any competent lawyer would tell their client that his fate is in the jury’s hands and they will watch everything he does. Trump’s disrespect for the jury is unwise."
Legal analyst and podcaster Allison Gill wondered if Trump had fallen asleep again.
Political media buyer Nicholas Wolf was similarly shocked but further amazed that the judge didn't do anything. "This judge might end up being the worst of them all so far. Who doesn’t stand up for the jury in their own damn courthouse?"
Thus far, Trump has been accused of making veiled threats against a witness and the jurors themselves. While there will be a hearing next week, the judge has done little thus far to curb the defendant's behavior.
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