Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has been granted permission by Judge Juan Merchan to use information from cases brought against former President Trump in the cross-examination of the 2024 GOP presumptive nominee, should he choose to testify in his own defense. This ruling comes after a motion filed by Bragg and prosecutors in the district attorney's office, stating their intention to use Trump’s alleged 'prior misconduct and criminal acts' to discredit him during the criminal trial.
It is important to note that Trump has never been convicted of a crime. However, Judge Merchan's decision allows Bragg’s office to reference information from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit against Trump, which includes New York Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling that found him liable of fraud. This ruling resulted in Trump being required to post a $454 million bond, which was later reduced to $175 million by an appeals court while Trump and his legal team appeal the decision.
Judge Engoron's decision was made following a monthslong, non-jury civil fraud trial. The inclusion of information from these cases in the cross-examination of Trump could potentially impact the outcome of the criminal trial and shed light on his past legal battles.
