Judge Rules Jurors’ Identities in Trump Hush Money Trial Must Be Protected

The judge cited risks of ‘bribery, jury tampering, physical injury or harassment.’

Former President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom with attorneys Christopher Kise (L) and Alina Habba (R) during his civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court, on Nov. 6, 2023. Brendan McDermid/Pool/Getty Images

A New York judge presiding over former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial has ordered that the identities of jury members be kept private, citing risks of jury tampering or harassment.

In his seven-page ruling (pdf) on March 7, Judge Juan Merchan said that the disclosure of the names of jurors will be limited to President Trump, the counsel, staff, and consultants involved in the case.