DISCOVERY: How Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg can force Trump to read books
A new filing in the MAGA emperor’s felony case includes a long list of books written about him, including ones by his supporters.
Donald Trump has about 10 months to prepare for his day in court to face 34 felony charges for falsifying business records in New York.
Now, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has released a list of discovery items, including 30 books that contain relevant material.
It’s no surprise that the list includes Full Disclosure, by Stormy Daniels, both of Michael Cohen‘s books about his experiences working for Trump, and one by former prosecutor Mark Pomerantz.
These can all be expected to contain relevant information to the case — with a direct connection.
However, the list also includes several books from people who support Trump: KellyAnne Conway, who still sings his praises; Bill Barr, who served as Trump’s attorney general; and former Vice President Mike Pence. It even includes several of Trump’s own books, including his 1987 title Art Of The Deal, and his photo book, Our Journey Together.
It’s not clear exactly what evidence that DA Bragg has found in each of these books.
Some of the other items on the list are less cryptic.
One major piece of evidence is a recording of a conversation between a witness and Trump.
The witness isn’t identified in the document, but it’s generally expected that this will be the recording that Cohen made when he was working for Trump, about another hush money payment.
In that tape, released in 2018, Trump and Cohen discuss efforts to cover up a similar story from Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Trump can be heard suggesting making the payment in cash, and Cohen explains how he needs to set up a company to transfer money for a deal with “our friend David.”
David Pecker — then the head of the company that owns the National Enquirer — is presumed to be the name referenced in the recording, and is expected to testify about “catch-and-kill” schemes in which he helped Trump hide unfavorable stories by buying the exclusive rights to them, then not printing them.
You can hear part of the recording in the 2018 clip below. (Story continues below video.)
Below, MSNBC legal analyst Lisa Rubin shares the full book list.
In New York state, a defendant is entitled to receive all witness testimony before the grand jury and any and all other witness statements provided to the relevant prosecutor’s office. But here, the Manhattan DA’s office also attached this two-page list of books. 2/ pic.twitter.com/F1xz0jN3UO
— Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) May 26, 2023
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