The Economist explains

Who is Alvin Bragg, the district attorney taking on Donald Trump?

The controversy surrounding the investigation has thrust Mr Bragg into the spotlight

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 06: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg arrives to the courtroom during the Trump Organization tax fraud trial at the New York Supreme Court on December 06, 2022 in New York City. A jury found the Trump Organization guilty on all counts and convicted the organization of conspiracy, criminal tax fraud, falsifying business records, and filing false tax returns in a scheme to defraud the state. The case is unrelated to the civil case being brought by NY Attorney General Letitia James against the Trump Organization.  (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Image: Getty Images

Editor’s note: On March 30th several news outlets reported that a grand jury in Manhattan had indicted Donald Trump.

From the April 1st 2023 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from The Economist explains

 English: Portrait of Santa Claus, by Thomas Nast, Published in Harper's Weekly, 1881

Where does Santa come from?

How a miracle-working Greek bishop, Dutch folk figure and early New York icon became the ubiquitous symbol of Christmas

 Islamist-led Syrian rebel fighters shoot in the air in the early hours of December 8, 2024, after taking over the central city of Homs overnight.

Who are the main rebel groups in Syria?

They were united against the country’s dictator. Now they have little in common


Close-up of chrysotile asbestos fibers on a gloved hand.

Is RFK junior right to say America allows more toxins than the EU?

He is, but things are slowly beginning to change


What would it cost to kill coal?

The price of shutting down coal power, and what would be gained

Should America ban fluoride in its drinking water?

The idea by Robert F. Kennedy junior—nominated by Donald Trump as health secretary—may have teeth

Why is Donald Trump keen to use “recess appointments”?

The president-elect is testing the loyalty of the Senate’s next majority leader