George Santos Fraud Trial Jury Questioning Denied

Former Congressman George Santos has requested that potential jurors in his September fraud trial be questioned about their opinions of him, citing extensive negative media coverage as a threat to his right to a fair trial. Santos faces 23 counts of fraud, including allegations of lying to Congress and misusing campaign funds. His defense argues that pre-existing biases among jurors could jeopardize the trial's integrity, referencing over 1,500 articles and public portrayals that condemn him as a 'liar' and 'fraud.' However, prosecutors oppose this request, labeling it a delay tactic since jury selection is already scheduled for September 9. They contend that Santos's negative public image is largely self-inflicted and that he should not benefit from the publicity he has courted. The judge, Joanna Seybert, has denied the request for a juror questionnaire, emphasizing the trial's imminent timeline.