Donald Trump trial LIVE: Hush money case kicks off with opening statements and bombshell first witness David Pecker

Twelve Manhattan residents have been selected to decide Donald Trump’s fate in the hush money trial.

They went through a rigorous process last week to ensure they would be impartial and fair in deciding whether the former president is guilty or innocent.

Now they have had the weekend to think about their selection, they will change their minds and tell the judge that they cannot move forward with the trial.

One juror dropped out last week because she was worried her family and friends already knew she was on the case.

Others also dropped out because they felt overwhelmed by the anxiety and stress surrounding the trial.

Jury privacy has also been a concern.

A New York University law professor believes David Pecker, former editor of the National Enquirer, will provide “dynamiting evidence” against Donald Trump when he takes the stand Monday morning.

It was revealed over the weekend in a New York Times report that Pecker would be the first witness called against the former president during his historic trial in Manhattan over accusations that he participated in a scheme to maintain silence before the 2016 election.

“Pecker could be a key witness, in more devastating ways than Michael Cohen. This also indicates that the DA is bringing the illegal electoral influence of jurors to the forefront,” tweeted Professor Ron Goodman.

“Pecker’s testimony should be compelling evidence of the fundamental allegation that the hush money scheme was intended to influence the outcome of the presidential election,” he added.

Once opening statements are completed, prosecutors will call David Pecker as their first witness.

Pecker is a central figure in the case after he alerted Trump lawyer Michael Cohen about Stormy Daniels and her plan to reveal her claims about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006.

Pecker alerted Trump in October 2016 about Daniel’s affair, but ultimately reached a $130,000 nondisclosure agreement with Trump’s attorney, Michael Cohen.

Pecker is expected to detail how he worked with Trump and his personal attorney Michael Cohen to negotiate settlements.

donald trumpThe historic hush money trial in Manhattan begins Monday with opening statements and could end with testimony from the first witness.

Prosecutors will explain whether the 77-year-old man hid a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniel to cover up his alleged affair in an attempt to help him win the 2016 election.

Trump’s legal team will then tell the jury how they will defend the first former president in history to be criminally tried.

Jury selection ended Friday with 12 full panel members and six alternates.

Here are some details about who they are.