Trump’s hush money trial hampered as two jurors now struck from case: Live updates

Donald Trump is back in court for day three of his hush money trial at the New York County criminal court in Lower Manhattan.

Proceedings in the trial were gathering pace with seven jurors confirmed — though this morning two were excused, with one concerned over her identity being revealed.

Judge Juan Merchan was hoping the remaining jurors and alternates could be selected by the end of the week with opening statements to begin on Monday — that now seems in doubt.

Yesterday it was revealed that if the former president takes the stand he can be asked about previous allegations of misconduct and crimes – including instances of sexual abuse and fraud.

Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg posted a list that includes “all misconduct and criminal acts of the defendant not charged in the indictment” that his office “intend to use at trial to impeach the credibility of” Mr Trump should he testify.

Mr Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels in the run-up to the 2016 election to ensure her silence about an alleged affair in 2006. He denies the affair and has pleaded not guilty.

The 12th potential juror — B496 — is a speech therapist from the Upper East Side.

“I don’t watch any news or follow it too closely,” she said, though she subscribes to newsletters from CNN and The New York Times. She also listens to reality TV podcasts.

On a question about whether she has strong opinions or firmly held beliefs about Trump, she said: “I do have opinions but I do firmly believe I can be fair and impartial.”

Potential juror #11 is another legal mind who lives in Inwood and is married with two children.

She occasionally works as a theatre director and volunteers with