Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over former President Donald Trump’s hush money criminal trial in New York, recently made the parties involved aware of a concerning post on the court system’s Facebook page. The post, made by a user claiming to be the cousin of a juror, stated that Trump was going to be convicted. The judge clarified that the comment was made in response to a routine court system notice unrelated to the trial, posted on May 29, 2024. This notification was not requesting any action from the parties but was simply meant to bring the post to their attention.
Additionally, in a separate letter, Judge Merchan granted permission to defense attorney Todd Blanche to attend Trump’s pre-sentence investigation interview. Last week, a jury found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. The purpose of the payment was reportedly to enhance Trump’s chances of winning the 2016 presidential election. This conviction marks a historic moment as it is the first time a former U.S. president has been convicted on criminal charges.
Following the guilty verdict, Trump is expected to be sentenced in July and plans to file an appeal. The judge’s decision to flag the Facebook post suggesting jury bias highlights the importance of ensuring a fair trial and impartial jury in legal proceedings. This situation serves as a reminder of the potential impact of social media on high-profile cases and the need for diligence in protecting the integrity of the judicial process. Overall, the handling of this case demonstrates the complexities and challenges involved in ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law, particularly in cases involving public figures like former presidents.
