Trial judge warns Trump over intimidation, seven jurors picked

The judge in Donald Trump's historic criminal trial on Tuesday warned the Republican presidential hopeful against intimidating jurors, as seven panelists were chosen with unexpected speed following questioning by both sides.

There had been speculation that jury selection could take weeks in such a high-profile and sensitive case. It is the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president, and Trump is also running to return to the White House this November.

But Judge Juan Merchan ended the session saying he was hopeful opening arguments could begin as early as Monday.

Seven jurors had been accepted and sworn in by the end of Tuesday. As well as the 12 needed for the panel, six alternates will also be chosen.

For Trump to be convicted of his alleged fraud in a scheme to cover up an embarrassing alleged extramarital encounter with a porn star, the jury must render a unanimous verdict. Even one dissenting voice would see him walk free.

Merchan cautioned Trump at one point that his muttering was audible to one juror who faced scrutiny over social media posts.

"I will not have any jurors intimidated in this courtroom," Merchan said, requesting that defense lawyers speak to Trump.

Trump, 77, has been ordered by Merchan to be in court daily, putting a major hitch in his campaigning plans. 

"I should be right now in Pennsylvania and Florida – in many other states, North Carolina, Georgia – campaigning," Trump said in angry remarks outside the court. He called Merchan "Trump-hating."

Merchan has warned Trump against repeating his frequent past attempts to turn hearings into impromptu campaign appearances with outbursts at witnesses and staff, as well as tirades on social media.

The judge has already scheduled a hearing next week to consider whether Trump should be held in contempt for violating a partial gag order restricting him from attacking individuals connected to the case.

(With input from AFP)