Alvin L. Bragg: The First Prosecutor to Indict a Former American President
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg has found himself at the center of a high-profile investigation, resulting in the indictment of former President Donald J. Trump. As the first prosecutor to bring criminal charges against a sitting or former American president, Bragg, a Democrat, has become a target for Mr. Trump and his Republican supporters.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Background and Career
Bragg, who was elected in November 2021, has a background as a federal prosecutor and deputy New York attorney general. He is the first Black person to lead the district attorney’s office in Manhattan. Born and raised in Harlem, Bragg has spent most of his life there, attending Trinity, an elite private school, and later Harvard for both undergraduate and law school.
Bragg’s Campaign for District Attorney and His Progressive Policies
While campaigning for district attorney in June 2019, Bragg highlighted issues of inequality in Manhattan’s justice system. He aligned with many progressive prosecutors seeking to reform district attorneys’ offices nationwide.
Controversies and Challenges During Bragg’s Early Tenure as District Attorney
Upon taking office in January 2022, Bragg faced immediate political backlash for a memo suggesting judges reserve jail time for only the most severe offenses. He later clarified that prosecutors have discretion in their cases.
Bragg’s Persistence Leads to Indictment of Former President Trump
Bragg’s investigation into Trump led to 34 felony charges connected to hush money payments to a porn star. Despite facing criticism from both left and right, Bragg persisted with the investigation, which resulted in Trump’s indictment in March.
Bragg’s Commitment to Equality Under the Law Amid High-Profile Prosecution
“Everyone stands equal under the law,” Mr. Bragg said. “No amount of money and no amount of power” changes that, he added. With the trial proceedings underway, the nation watches closely as Bragg seeks to uphold the principles of fairness and equality, emphasizing that even former presidents must be held accountable for their actions.
