Former President Donald Trump is currently undergoing jury selection for a criminal trial in New York, where he faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The charges, which have been classified as felonies due to alleged violations of election laws, center on concealing the payment to Daniels, with whom Trump denies having an affair.

The trial has attracted considerable attention, both from the public and media, with jury selection proving challenging due to potential biases. Over 50 prospective jurors have been excused after acknowledging a prejudiced view of Trump. The proceedings, expected to last between six and eight weeks, are taking place amid a highly charged atmosphere, with both supporters and protesters gathering outside the courtroom.

Compounding the trial’s complexity, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office has moved to hold Trump in contempt over his social media activity, claiming it breaches a court-imposed gag order.

Late-night television hosts including Jon Stewart, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert have also commented on the trial, bringing a lighter perspective to the serious allegations. Their commentary ranged from jokes about Trump’s alleged inattentiveness in court to the unprecedented nature of a former president being tried for such charges.

The legal and media spectacle continues to unfold, with the world watching how one of the most high-profile trials in recent history will progress.