Donald Trump’s former niece, Mary Trump, has warned of “disturbing” interference through outlets such as Fox News in the former president’s secret trial.
On Monday, the jury meeting began in the criminal case against Trump, who is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. The full jury, made up of 12 members and one exchange, was chosen, but on Friday the debate continued with five other members of the exchange.
Following an investigation through Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, Trump was indicted in March 2023 on 34 counts of falsifying business records similar to $130,000 in secret invoices made to adult film star Stormy Daniels Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Daniels has alleged that she had an affair with Trump in 2006, which he has denied.
Trump has maintained his innocence, claiming not to blame all the charges and saying the case is politically motivated.
On Thursday night, Trump posted a quote from Fox News host Jesse Watters on his social network Truth Social, which read, “They’re catching undercover liberal activists lying to the judge. “
The quote comes from Watters’ appearance on Fox News’ The Five on Wednesday, a discussion of jury selection.
Speaking on the issue, Mary Trump, who has been blatantly critical of her uncle, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday night: “Normally my challenge to the mainstream media is their inability to highlight stories that matter. But in this case, it appears that certain segments of the mainstream media, primarily Fox, are determined to help Donald interfere in his trial by intimidating the jury.
“This is a disturbing thing that we have to deal with. “
Newsweek reached out to Trump’s spokesperson and lawyer via email for comment.
Lately, Trump has been under a gag order that prevents him from speaking publicly about the witnesses, the lawyers and the case and their families, as well as the families of Justices Juan Merchan and Bragg. Trump is allowed to communicate about Merchan, who is presiding over the case. and Bragg.
“The fact that Donald quoted more is irrelevant. This gave the impression of being a blatant case of jury tampering, especially since at the time of this message’s publication, there were five jurors and six alternates to choose from,” Trump’s message continued. .
Mary Trump also commented on a Jesse Watters Primetime television segment on Tuesday, in which the identities of the jurors were described.
She shared an excerpt from Watters describing the work of Jury No. 2, its location in New York City, as well as other non-public details. During the segment, Watters quoted Juror No. 2, who allegedly said, “I don’t have an opinion on Trump” and “No one is above the law. “Watters later said, “I’m not so sure about juror No. 2. “
Juror No. 2 was dismissed after telling Merchan that he feared his identity would be revealed and that it could jeopardize his ability to be a fair juror.
Fox News isn’t the only media outlet reporting on the identity of jurors, adding to Jury No. Newsweek, adding that other media outlets such as CNN, CBS News, ABC News, NBC News, also shared main points about the jury. But Fox is the only one who has been singled out as “unethical and dangerous” through Mary Trump.
“Watters then singled out jurors who disagreed with his concept of what a (pro-Donald) jury should be and questioned their ability to be fair and impartial. Not only is it unethical, but dangerous,” Fox said, in “In Donald’s Name, is actively helping Donald create an atmosphere of concern among jurors,” Mary Trump wrote in X. “In a just world, Watters would be fired for his irresponsible behavior, but Fox has no interest in justice. “
She concluded by saying that Merchan “has to come after Donald. “
Newsweek reached out to Fox News email for comment.
Updated 4/19/24, 11:05 a. m. ET: This article has been updated with more information.
Rachel Dobkin is a reporter for Newsweek in New York City. Its purpose is to inform policy. Rachel joined Newsweek in October 2023. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oneonta. You can reach Rachel by emailing r. dobkin@newsweek. com.
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