A defendant can make a statement that is counter to his/her interest, even if innocent. A defendant can present themselves unfavorably to jurors, even if innocent. I think this accusation is a crock, but a New York juror might agree that the case is a crock, but fear the consequences of voting for Trump. Ask Derek Chauvin. He never had a chance. Any juror voting to acquit would have had his house burned down within a week.
The jurors on this case are anonymous.