Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg finds himself facing legal challenges due to his alleged non-compliance with Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has filed two lawsuits seeking information about potential communications between Bragg's office and the Justice Department, the White House, and Democratic Congressman Daniel Goldman concerning the ongoing prosecution of former President Donald Trump.

Trump was indicted by Bragg in March on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, stemming from an investigation into hush-money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. Bragg's office contends that Trump manipulated New York business records to obscure damaging information and illegal activity from voters.

The Heritage Foundation's lawsuits allege concerns about potential coordination between Bragg and political opponents of Trump, potentially influencing the legal proceedings. The lawsuits cite reports and the history of allegations against Trump as justification for their inquiry. They are seeking court orders to compel Bragg's office to release the requested documents and waive any associated fees.

A second lawsuit filed by Heritage also alleges that Bragg's office received pro bono legal assistance from prominent law firms specializing in white-collar crime. They are requesting the court to mandate the release of these documents under New York's FOIL laws.

Mike Howell, director of Heritage’s Oversight Project, expressed concern over Bragg's alleged lack of transparency, suggesting a double standard in the application of justice. He pointed out the irony of Bragg pursuing Trump for document-related issues while allegedly failing to comply with document disclosure laws himself. Howell criticized Bragg for wasting taxpayer money defending against the lawsuits and accused him of obstruction.

Bragg's office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.