Trump’s EDNY Pick: Brooklyn Star or MAGA Loyalist?
Brooklyn Lawyer Arthur Aidala In Catbird Seat For Trump’s Choice As New Eastern District U.S. Attorney
UPDATE: After the initial publication of this piece, I spoke with several sources who said that Arthur Aidala has the inside track on the EDNY US Attorney nomination “100%.”
Media personality and political insider John Tabacco said that Aidala will likely be the next top prosecutor at Cadman Plaza.
“I believe Arthur Aidala is uniquely qualified to bring a new type of equal and fair reform to the criminal justice system. He has the political firepower on both sides of the aisle to achieve historic results. Arthur is a good Italian man with the values and principles of fairness and honor to delve out swift and equal justice. I believe they should appoint him today to let him start locking up bad guys,” Tabacco said.
Several other sources echoed the same sentiments.
The most humourous take came from a well-known Manhattan Democratic consultant who spoke under conditions of anonymity.
“On your ‘Dark Horse’ list, you should put [Nassau GOP Chairman] Joe Cairo. No Republican lawyer knows more about federal investigations than him, having been on the receiving end for so long,” the consultant said.
By Richard Luthmann
President-elect Donald Trump’s search for a U.S. Attorney to oversee the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) has sparked fierce debate. Arthur Aidala, a high-profile Brooklyn defense lawyer and former prosecutor, emerges as a possible contender, but his Democratic registration could derail his chances.
With the EDNY’s jurisdiction over Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island, Trump’s pick will wield enormous influence in prosecuting federal crimes and tackling public corruption. Here’s a look at the top candidates and wild cards in this high-stakes selection.
In the interests of full disclosure, Artie Aidala previously represented the author.
Arthur Aidala: The Brooklyn Powerhouse and Front-Runner
Arthur Aidala, a former Brooklyn prosecutor turned high-profile criminal defense attorney, is widely seen as a leading candidate for U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Aidala is an Alan Dershowitz protégé, a connection that may bolster his standing with Trump. Dershowitz, a renowned Harvard law professor and constitutional expert, represented Trump during his first impeachment trial. Aidala’s mentorship under Dershowitz has shaped his sharp courtroom tactics and ability to navigate complex, politically charged cases.
Aidala has handled some of the country’s most controversial and high-profile cases, including defending Harvey Weinstein, Rudy Giuliani, and Roger Ailes. His media cache is unmatched, as he frequently appears on television and radio, offering legal analysis and promoting his clients’ defenses. This media-savvy approach has elevated his profile and solidified his reputation as a legal powerhouse.
Despite his star power, Aidala’s close ties to Democratic power players, including NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and his own Democratic voter registration may cause friction within Trump’s MAGA-aligned circle. Trump’s key allies, such as Pam Bondi and Kash Patel, have signaled their desire to purge the DOJ of individuals they see as insufficiently loyal to the administration’s goals. Aidala’s bipartisan relationships and connections to New York’s Democratic establishment could make him a tough sell for this faction.
Why Aidala Could Get It: Aidala’s deep roots in Brooklyn, his extensive courtroom experience, and his charisma make him a formidable choice. His high-profile cases and media presence align with Trump’s preference for appointees who command public attention.
Why He Might Not: Aidala’s Democratic registration and bipartisan relationships could clash with Trump’s team’s focus on loyalty and a conservative agenda. This may make other Republican loyalists more appealing to Trump’s inner circle.
While Aidala stands out as a strong candidate, his chances hinge on whether Trump prioritizes star power and proven legal acumen over strict party allegiance.
Frank Carone: Adams Ally With Legal Luggage
Frank Carone, former chief of staff to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has emerged as a speculative contender for U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Carone, a Democrat with deep ties to Brooklyn’s political and legal circles, served as managing partner at Abrams Fensterman, a prominent Long Island law firm. While his legal acumen and extensive network make him a known quantity in New York, his connection to ongoing investigations could complicate his candidacy.
Carone’s name is tied to a federal investigation into a $10 million no-fault insurance fraud scheme. The scheme allegedly involved fraudulent billing for medical procedures never performed, using licensed providers’ names and siphoning payments into shell companies. Financial Vision Capital Group II, a company Carone co-founded, has been accused in a civil lawsuit by GEICO of funding and aiding the fraud, though neither Carone nor the company has been charged with any crimes. Federal prosecutors and insurance investigators continue to examine the matter.
Carone has denied wrongdoing, asserting his role was limited to providing lawful financial advances to medical providers. However, court filings and internal communications cited in lawsuits reveal intricate links between Financial Vision and those accused of perpetrating the fraud. These allegations, coupled with his association with other controversial figures, have drawn scrutiny from both Manhattan and Brooklyn federal prosecutors.
Carone’s business dealings go beyond the no-fault fraud inquiry. Federal investigators are reportedly examining transactions between Carone and Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, a Brooklyn priest who invested in another Carone-linked venture. While the exact focus of this inquiry remains unclear, it adds another layer of complexity to Carone’s legal and political portfolio.
Why Carone Could Be Considered: Carone’s reputation as a skilled negotiator and his expertise in navigating complex legal frameworks make him a compelling choice for such a pivotal role. His connections to both the legal and political worlds in New York could provide valuable insight into the region’s dynamics.
Why He Likely Won’t: Carone’s close association with Mayor Eric Adams, his Democratic registration, and his involvement—direct or indirect—in ongoing investigations may render him a non-starter for Trump. Furthermore, his reputation as a dealmaker and power broker could clash with the administration’s stated goal of purging perceived corruption within the DOJ.
Evan Krinick: The Long Island Litigator
Evan Krinick, managing partner of Rivkin Radler, commands respect in Long Island’s legal community. Krinick oversees one of the region’s largest law firms and specializes in civil and white-collar litigation. He’s seen as a consensus-builder with a pragmatic approach.
Why Krinick Could Get It: His Republican alignment and significant legal experience in the EDNY’s jurisdiction make him a safe, competent choice.
Why He Might Not: Krinick lacks the national profile Trump often prefers in his high-profile appointments.
Frank Scaturro: The Constitutionalist
Frank Scaturro, a former counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, brings a robust constitutional law background. A staunch Republican, Scaturro has focused on criminal justice reform and is well-versed in legislative matters.
Why Scaturro Could Get It: His strong Republican credentials and focus on legal reforms align with Trump’s priorities.
Why He Might Not: Scaturro’s lower profile and focus on policy rather than prosecutions could work against him.
David Storobin: Brooklyn’s Conservative Voice
David Storobin, a former New York State Senator, has built a career on criminal defense and family law. A staunch conservative, Storobin is a vocal advocate for law-and-order policies.
Why Storobin Could Be Considered: His conservative stance and ties to Brooklyn’s Republican base make him a compelling option for Trump.
Why He Might Not: Storobin’s legal career lacks the headline-grabbing cases Trump might favor in a nominee.
Mike LiPetri: Young and Ambitious
Mike LiPetri, a former New York State Assemblyman, is known for his focus on public safety and conservative values. The Long Island native has experience in both law and policymaking.
Why LiPetri Could Get It: His Republican credentials and youth could inject fresh energy into the EDNY role.
Why He Might Not: His limited legal experience could be a drawback in overseeing one of the nation’s busiest districts.
Dark Horses and Wild Cards
Beyond the leading contenders, several names emerge as potential wild cards:
Andrew C. McCarthy: A former prosecutor with deep expertise in terrorism cases.
Marc Mukasey: A high-profile defense lawyer and son of a former Attorney General.
Randy Mastro: A Giuliani ally with extensive civil and criminal litigation experience.
Catherine Mirabile Catherine Mirabile: A seasoned federal prosecutor with a track record in organized crime cases.
John M. Bandler: A cybercrime expert with a focus on white-collar defense.
Edward Cox: A prominent Republican attorney and current chair of the New York GOP.
Each of these candidates brings unique qualifications but also faces challenges in aligning with Trump’s agenda.
The Trump Factor: Unpredictability Rules the Day
Predicting Trump’s pick remains difficult. His track record suggests a preference for loyalists and media-savvy figures, but practical considerations, like Senate confirmation battles, could influence the choice.
Aidala’s star power and Brooklyn base make him a tempting option, but his Democratic ties could derail his chances. Similarly, Carone’s Adams connection likely makes him a long shot.
Republican stalwarts like Krinick or Scaturro might appeal to Pam Bondi and Kash Patel’s push to clean house at the DOJ and FBI. Dark horses like Mukasey or McCarthy could also gain traction as reliable insiders with strong Republican pedigrees.
While Aidala is a hopeful pick for some, Trump’s final decision may prioritize loyalty and alignment with his broader agenda over star power or bipartisan credentials. As always, with Trump, expect the unexpected.