The trial of former President Donald Trump, which commenced this week under the oversight of Judge Juan Merchan, has ignited a fiery debate over the trial's scheduling.

Judge Juan Merchan faces criticism for possibly excluding Orthodox Jews from the jury by holding Trump's trial on Fridays.

According to Conservative Brief, critics argue that the decision to conduct sessions on Fridays could undermine the presence of Orthodox Jews in the jury pool, a demographic known to largely support Trump.

Accusations Against Judge Merchan for Excluding Orthodox Jews from Trump Trial

Conservatives have intensified their criticism of Judge Juan Merchan, accusing him of making a "sleazy" move by scheduling trial sessions on Fridays, thereby preventing Orthodox Jews from serving on the jury in Donald Trump’s hush money case due to their observance of Shabbat.

The controversy centers on the trial practices adopted by Judge Merchan, who began the trial proceedings on a Monday. However, the inclusion of Fridays as part of the trial days has drawn particular scrutiny.

The accusation primarily stems from the religious practices of Orthodox Jews who observe Shabbat from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday. During Shabbat, they refrain from work and several other activities, which makes attending court sessions potentially problematic.

As New York approaches summer, sunsets will occur later in the evening, possibly around 7:30 p.m. This slight shift in daylight hours might allow some observant Jews to attend the trial without infringing on their religious obligations.

Criticism From Media And Political Figures

Amidst these developments, Fox News host Mark Levin suggested that the trial schedule was deliberately designed to exclude pro-Trump Orthodox Jews. His allegations have added fuel to an already heated discussion surrounding the fairness of the trial.

Furthermore, Dan Schneider, a commentator, described the scheduling choice as unusual and strategic, explicitly aimed at reducing Orthodox Jewish participation in the jury. The American Jewish Committee's poll before the 2020 election indeed indicated that 74% of Orthodox Jews supported Trump, lending some weight to these concerns.

Adding to the complexity, Trump himself has lambasted the trial schedule as an act of "election interference" and an attempt to sabotage his chances in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. On his platform, Truth Social, Trump vehemently denounced the judicial proceedings and affirmed his intent to continue battling for national interests.

Rising Legal Battles And Public Statements

Trump stands accused of 34 counts of falsifying business records connected to alleged hush money paid during the 2016 election, aimed at concealing damaging information. He has denied all charges, pleading not guilty.

This legal battle takes place amidst a backdrop of vehement declarations on social media from Trump, who described himself as a "very popular and successful President" now facing a biased judge and a corrupt legal system. His posts paint a picture of a political and legal maelstrom.

The Trump legal team has even requested that Judge Merchan be removed from overseeing the trial, citing perceived bias and hostility that could affect the fairness of the proceedings.

Potential Implications For the Jury Selection Process

Levin's public statement mirrors sentiments found across social media platforms, where he criticized the "leftwing anti-Trump Democrat judge" for the scheduling decisions.

Similarly, Schneider’s posts on the platform express concern about the exclusion of Orthodox Jews from the jury, labeling the move as a clever tactic by Democrat operatives.

These statements underscore the broader narrative of dissatisfaction and mistrust among Trump's supporters towards the trial's administration and perceived political motivations behind judicial decisions.

As the trial progresses, the implications of its scheduling on the composition of the jury pool remain a contentious issue. Whether or not these concerns will affect the trial's proceedings or its outcome continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.

Concluding Reflections On The Trial And Public Perception

Donald Trump's trial has been not only a legal contest but also a battleground of public opinion and political strategies. The choice to hold trial sessions on Fridays has catalyzed a debate about fairness and inclusivity in jury selection, with significant implications for both the legal outcomes and the public's trust in the judicial system.