Alina Habba: Jury Instructions in Trump Trial Could Bias Outcome

Trump legal spokesperson Alina Habba expresses concerns about jury instructions in the former president's New York trial, fearing bias in the prosecution's favor. She also raises issues with the lack of a criminal offense and the timing of jury deliberations.

Trump legal spokesperson Alina Habba has raised concerns about the potential bias in jury instructions in the former president's ongoing New York trial. In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Habba expressed a lack of confidence in Judge Juan Merchan's ability to provide impartial instructions to jurors.

"This judge is the judge that determines the jury instructions. The jury instructions are the roadmap for non-attorneys and jurors to follow the law," Habba said. "It's going to be critical and frankly, at this point, I have zero confidence in the fact that this person, who should not be sitting on the bench right now, will do the right thing and give jury instructions that are in an appropriate manner without any persuasion towards the prosecution."

Legal experts, including Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz and former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Jay Town, have also expressed concerns about Judge Merchan's handling of the trial. They have argued that he has visibly favored the prosecution, which is seeking to prove that Trump offered or discussed offering money to adult film star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal to keep his alleged affairs with them secret before the 2016 presidential election.

Habba echoed the concerns of many who believe the case lacks merit and that it is past the statute of limitations. She argued that there has been no evidence presented to support the prosecution's claims.

"There was no case… We've been sitting here. We saw no facts, and the last resort for the prosecution is going to be this judge with political motivations, going to give them instructions on how to decide the fate of a former president and the future president of the United States," she said.

Meanwhile, hosts and guests on mainstream media outlets have also acknowledged problems with the case, particularly in the flawed witness testimony of former Trump attorney Michael Cohen.

Habba also expressed concerns about the time gap between closing arguments and jury deliberations, which she believes could give jurors an opportunity to be swayed by external influences.

"They should have been sequestered because, in my opinion, these jurors are handling something that is completely unprecedented and unwarranted in America and for them to be able to be out and about on a holiday weekend with friends and families who have opinions, who are watching the news, the TV is on the background at the pool party… I have serious concerns if they're left wing and they're watching MSDNC, as my client calls it, or CNN, they're not going to get fair news," she said.

Habba added that she is concerned that friends and family could potentially sway jurors' decisions.

The jury is expected to receive instructions from Judge Merchan after closing arguments begin next week. The outcome of the trial could have significant political implications, as Trump has repeatedly hinted at a potential presidential run in 2024.