Trump's lawyers and Bragg's prosecutors can't ask jurors about political affiliation

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that it will be virtually impossible to receive a fair trial in New York City.

That insistence became a very real issue this week after it was revealed that Democratic voters could possibly -- and will likely -- serve on the jury in the DA Bragg-led "hush money" case.

According to Newsweek, Judge Juan Merchan announced this week that Trump's lawyers will not be able to ask potential jurors about their voting intentions or political affiliations, or any contributions made to candidates in the past.

That effectively means that it's extremely likely, given New York City's deep blue makeup, that anti-Trump Democrats will sit on the jury for Bragg's trial.

It was noted that the same jury selection rules will apply to the prosecution's side.

The judge, earlier this week, informed both the defense and prosecution of the rules of the upcoming jury selection, as the trial is set to begin next week.

Following discussions with both sides, Judge Merchan agreed to a list of 42 questions that could be asked of potential jurors, and anything politically-related is off the table.

Newsweek noted:

He added that questions about a juror's voting record had not been approved: "There are no questions asking prospective jurors whom they voted for or intend to vote for, or whom they have made political contributions to.

The judge added, "Nor are jurors asked about their specific political party registration, though the answer to that question may easily be gleaned from the response to the other questions."

He also attempted to get ahead of any crafty questions asked of potential jurors by either side, saying, "Counsel is forewarned not to seek to expand the degree of intrusion beyond what is relevant and has already been approved."

As far as the questions that will be allowed to be asked, most of them focus on the potential juror's personal background, their experience with police and the justice system, as well as if they have any link to Trump-connected businesses. Most importantly, they'll be asked if they can remain impartial during the high-profile trial.

One potential exception to the politics rule is that jurors will be allowed to be asked if they've ever attended an anti-Trump or pro-Trump rally "or about any involvement with a list of political movements, including the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and Antifa," Newsweek noted.

Given that, it should be somewhat easy for both the prosecution and the defense to deduce who leans to which side.

Only time will tell if Trump receives a fair trial.