'X factor of weird developments': Seasoned lawyer notes bizarre start to Trump's trial

The "soap opera" of Donald Trump's hush money trial continued Friday in a series of odd events that left one seasoned trial lawyer surprised.

"The X factor of weird developments is really high for this trial," wrote former U.S. attorney Harry Litman on X.

He pointed specifically to a New York Times report that revealed: "Multiple jurors have started crying as they have opened up about their lives in front of the judge and the former president. A very intense Friday as we near the end of jury selection."

But weeping potential jury members was only the latest strange event in a trial which has seen the defendant accused of contempt for multiple attacks on witnesses, being admonished for muttering at jurors, refusing to stand as a basic courtesy to the jury and nodding off in the middle of proceedings.

His outbursts to the press in the hallways before and after sessions — including one on Thursday in which he leafed through several printed-out press reports purportedly supporting him — were also seen as unusual. As is the chilly temperatures reported by many inside the courtroom, the result of a malfunctioning heating system.

Other events on Friday included a prospective juror who was excused after saying her father is a lifelong friend of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, the onetime ally of the former president who has since become one of his most vocal and consistent critics.

Another prospective juror was excused after she said she was starting to feel anxiety.

One woman was asked about her attendance at the Women's March and if she remembered having strong feelings of anger against Trump at the march, to which she replied that she just remembered it being about women's solidarity. She also said Trump's base can sometimes "feel enabled by his rhetoric."

Another blasted the Jan. 6 Capitol riot as an "insurrection," said he has a strong dislike for Trump, but then claimed he could be unbiased if he was selected.

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Shortly after Litman's post, a man apparently set himself on fire in a park outside the courtroom.