As Judge Merchan reviewed the details of the case for the first group of 96 prospective jurors, former President Trump turned and faced the group -- eliciting visible responses from the gallery.

One woman let out an audible giggle, covered her mouth, and looked to her neighbor with eyebrows raised. Others craned their necks from the rear of the courtroom to catch a glimpse of the defendant.

Trump earlier had his eyes locked on Merchan as the judge went through his instructions to the group.

The former president subsequently appeared to close his eyes and fold his arms, sporadically adjusting in his seat.

The first group of 96 prospective jurors has been sworn in.

Judge Merchan is now delivering remarks that he said will last about 30 minutes, introducing the case and explaining to prospective jurors their responsibility -- if selected -- to be fair and impartial.

Trump has been leaning forward in his seat listening, with his elbows on the desk.

Dozens of New Yorkers are now being escorted into the courtroom as prospective jurors.

Judge Merchan will deliver a summary of the case before attorneys for both parties have an opportunity to evaluate the prospective jurors' fitness to serve.

According to the pool, 96 individuals will make up the first batch to go through the laborious selection process. Merchan said approximately 200 people have been summoned to the courthouse for potential jury duty on the case.

Trump, during a lengthy break as court officials escorted jurors through security magnetometers, could be seen reclining in his chair and conversing with his attorney Todd Blanche.

Judge Merchan has issued Trump's defense team an ultimatum: Turn over their proposed defense exhibits in 24 hours or be barred from using the materials.

"You have 24 hours," Merchan said. "Anything you don't produce within 24 hours will be precluded."

Defense attorney Todd Blanche pushed back on the deadline, arguing against a prosecutor's assertion that defense withheld materials following a February exhibit deadline for "tactical reasons."

"That is completely false," Blanche said. He asked Merchan for a Wednesday deadline instead, given the demands of the trial.

Merchan declined to grant the request, highlighting the recent flurry of defense motions filed over the last few weeks.

"I don't know how you managed to get those motions out," Merchan said. "The way you choose to use your time is your business."

Former President Trump is back at the defense table as court resumes after the lunch break.

While on break, Trump shared on his social media platform a newspaper opinion piece calling his former attorney Michael Cohen a "serial perjurer" and a "legal thug."

The former president, who is under a limited gag order prohibiting him from targeting witnesses in the case, did not add any comment of his own.