Trump trial: 1st week of testimony ends with testimony from Michael Cohen's former banker
Banker Gary Farro testified in Donald Trump's hush money trial in New York.
Former President Donald Trump is on trial in New York City, where he is facing felony charges related to a 2016 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. It marks the first time in history that a former U.S. president has been tried on criminal charges.
Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records to hide the reimbursement of a hush money payment his then-attorney Michael Cohen made to Daniels in order to boost his electoral prospects in the 2016 presidential election.
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What to know about the hush money case
READ MORE: Here's what you need to know about the historic case.
At least 50 of 96 jurors excused over impartiality
At least 50 of the 96 potential jurors in the first group have been excused from service after they identified that they can't be fair or impartial regarding the case.
Judge Merchan is now beginning the process of questioning the remaining jurors.
Trump family, administration officials could be called as witnesses
During his lengthy remarks to potential jurors regarding the case, Judge Merchan listed several individuals who could potentially be called as witnesses at trial -- but emphasized that not all would be summoned to the stand.
Among those Merchan listed as potential witnesses were Trump, Stormy Daniels, and former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, as well as David Pecker, the former American Media Inc. executive who prosecutors say played an integral role in a plan to "catch and kill" negative stories about Trump in 2016.
Several Trump family members were also named, including Melania Trump, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.
Other potential witnesses listed were former members of Trump's administration, including Steven Bannon, Kellyanne Conway, Reince Priebus, Hope Hicks and John McEntee.
Merchan also listed a number of former employees of the Trump Organization, including Allen Weisselberg, Jeffrey McConney, Dan Scavino, Rhonna Graff and Alan Garten. Additional names mentioned included Robert Costello, Keith Davidson, and Rudy Guliani.
Trump faces prospective jurors
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.
Judge delivers remarks to prospective jurors
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.
Judge won't excuse Trump to attend Supreme Court arguments
At the end of the court day, Judge Juan Merchan denied a request from defense attorney Todd Blanche to excuse Trump from the proceedings in New York next Thursday, when the U.S. Supreme Court hears Trump's bid for presidential immunity in his 2020 federal election interference case.
"It's an incredibly unusual case," Blanche said.
"Arguing before the Supreme Court is a big deal; I can understand why your client wants to be there," Merchan said -- adding that standing trial in New York is also a big deal.
"Your client is a criminal defendant in New York County Supreme Court. He's required to be here," the judge said.