Sports commentator turned political commentator and radio host Clay Travis sparked controversy on Monday with his statements encouraging pro-Trump New Yorkers to attempt to influence the outcome of former President Donald Trump’s trial.
Travis suggested that Trump supporters in New York City who are part of the jury pool should strive to get seated on the jury and then refuse to convict Trump, thereby causing a hung jury and effectively dooming the case. Travis argued that such actions would be “the most patriotic thing you could possibly do” in support of Trump.
“If you’re a Trump supporter in New York City who is a part of the jury pool, do everything you can to get seated on the jury and then refuse to convict as a matter of principle, dooming the case via hung jury. It’s the most patriotic thing you could possibly do,
Former President Trump’s trial, which involves allegations of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, began on Monday after delays caused by Trump’s legal team. The defense team had also attempted to move the trial out of New York City.
Travis’s remarks received backlash from other commentators and legal experts. Fox News columnist David Marcus acknowledged the dangers of Travis’s suggestion, noting that it would require violating a sworn oath. Marcus added that while he understood the sentiment, it was a precarious path to take.
National security lawyer Bradley Moss criticized Travis’s statements, suggesting they could be seen as an attempt to conspire to commit jury tampering by encouraging someone to deliberately engage in jury nullification.
