Manhattan prosecutors want to use Donald Trump’s past legal troubles to discredit him if he chooses to testify at his New York criminal trial. They plan to question him about recent verdicts against him, including the civil fraud trial with the New York attorney general where he and his company were found liable for committing persistent fraud by inflating asset values. They also want to probe him about false testimony he allegedly gave during that trial. Additionally, they plan to ask Trump about his involvement in the E. Jean Carroll case, where he was ordered to pay nearly $90 million for allegations of rape and defamation.
Furthermore, prosecutors will inquire about Trump’s dismissed lawsuit against Hillary Clinton, the settlement that dissolved the Donald J. Trump Foundation following an investigation by the New York attorney general, and the 2022 tax fraud conviction of Trump’s company. These cases are seen as relevant to discrediting Trump’s credibility if he takes the stand in his defense at trial. To determine the scope of questions prosecutors can ask if Trump testifies, the judge plans to hold a Sandoval hearing, which is a preliminary proceeding that reviews a defendant’s criminal history.
The Sandoval hearing will assess how much information from Trump’s past legal issues is admissible as evidence during the trial. Judge Juan Merchan said that the debate over these matters could take place in court on Friday if the jury selection process is completed in time. The timing for the hearing is still to be determined, depending on how quickly the jury selection process progresses. If Friday allows for an early finish, the Sandoval hearing will be addressed at that time to establish guidelines for questioning Trump if he decides to testify.
The prosecution’s strategy is to use Trump’s legal troubles and previous court outcomes to undermine his credibility and challenge his testimony if he chooses to testify in his defense at trial. By bringing up issues such as the civil fraud trial verdict, the Carroll case, the dismissed lawsuit against Clinton, and the tax fraud conviction of his company, prosecutors aim to show a pattern of dishonesty and legal misconduct. The upcoming Sandoval hearing will clarify the boundaries for questioning Trump about his past legal entanglements and determine what information can be used against him during the trial. Judge Merchan plans to address this issue in court once jury selection is completed.
