Judge Raises Concerns Over Facebook Post Alleging Juror Misconduct in Trump Trial

The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial has notified his defence team about a potentially significant comment posted on the court’s public Facebook page.

The comment suggested that one of the jurors may have discussed the guilty verdict with family members before the trial concluded.

Fox News obtained a letter from Judge Juan Merchan addressed to Trump’s defence attorneys and Manhattan prosecutors. In the letter, Judge Merchan detailed the concerning comment made by a user named “Michael Anderson.”

“Today, the Court became aware of a comment posted on the Unified Court System’s public Facebook page, which I now bring to your attention,” wrote Judge Merchan. The comment read: “My cousin is a juror and says Trump is getting convicted! Thank you, folks, for all your hard work!!!!”

Donald Trump greets supporters during a Turning Point PAC town hall.

The Facebook profile for “Michael Anderson” reveals little public information. The user identifies himself as a “Transabled & professional sh– poster.”

A Trump campaign official told Fox News Digital they are “investigating the matter,” indicating the seriousness with which the defence team is taking this potential breach.

Al Baker, spokesperson for the New York State Office of Court Administration, confirmed on Friday that “as appropriate, the Court informed the parties once it learned of this online content.”

The timing of the comment is particularly notable, as it was posted just one day before Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Trump had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Donald Trump: Getty Images

The six-week trial stemmed from charges brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The potential juror misconduct could have significant implications for the trial’s outcome and Trump’s defence strategy moving forward.

Judge Merchan’s proactive notification suggests a high level of transparency and diligence in handling the matter, as any indication of juror bias or misconduct could undermine the integrity of the verdict.

The defence team will likely explore this issue thoroughly to determine if it warrants further legal action, such as a motion for a mistrial or an appeal based on juror misconduct.

The mention of the comment in the court’s official communication indicates the seriousness with which the court views potential breaches of juror confidentiality and impartiality.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges courts face in maintaining the integrity of the judicial process in the digital age, where social media posts can quickly raise questions about the fairness of legal proceedings.

Donald Trump: Getty Images

The defence and prosecution must address this development as they consider the next steps in the legal process.

The potential juror misconduct adds another layer of complexity to a high-profile case already marked by intense public and media scrutiny.

Observers will be watching closely to see how this revelation impacts the broader legal strategy and public perception of the case against former President Trump.

The outcome of any investigation into the alleged juror misconduct could have significant repercussions not only for this trial but also for future cases involving high-profile defendants.