Former Biden DOJ official now prosecuting Trump was previously paid by DNC for political consulting.
In a groundbreaking turn of events, Matthew Colangelo, a top prosecutor in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Office, delivered the opening statements in the unprecedented criminal trial of former President Donald Trump. Colangelo took on this pivotal role after joining Bragg’s team in December 2022, following the resignations of Mark Pomerantz and Carey Dunne, who stepped down in protest of Bragg’s initial reluctance to indict Trump. Leaving a senior position at the Biden Justice Department, Colangelo’s decision to prosecute Trump raised eyebrows, particularly among GOP circles who questioned the potential politicization of the case.
House Republicans are now launching an investigation into Colangelo and his past work as he continues to lead the prosecution against Trump. Prior to his current role, Colangelo served in then-New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office as the deputy attorney general for social justice. Schneiderman’s resignation in 2018 led to Barbara Underwood taking over as New York attorney general. In a whirlwind of legal proceedings, Colangelo, alongside Underwood, filed a lawsuit against the Trump Foundation, alleging the misuse of charitable assets to settle legal debts.
Despite the changes in leadership, Colangelo remained a key figure in the New York Attorney General’s Office, working under Letitia James and actively participating in Trump-related investigations and lawsuits. His involvement in the Biden administration began in 2021, where he held pivotal positions within the Justice Department, overseeing various important divisions. However, Colangelo’s move to join Bragg’s team marked a significant shift in his career trajectory.
Prior to his roles in New York and the Biden Justice Department, Colangelo’s career trajectory through the Obama administration showcased his expertise in various capacities. He served in the Department of Justice’s civil rights division, as well as Chief of Staff to Tom Perez during Perez’s tenure as Labor Secretary and later as chair of the DNC. Colangelo’s extensive experience in government positions underscores his dedication to public service and his commitment to upholding justice.
The House Judiciary Committee, spearheaded by Chairman Jim Jordan, is actively seeking records pertaining to Colangelo’s time in the Justice Department as part of their oversight of potentially politically motivated prosecutions by state and local officials. Meanwhile, Alvin Bragg’s decision to charge Trump with multiple counts of falsifying business records in the first degree sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle.
Trump, in response to the charges, pleaded not guilty to all counts. The charge of falsifying business records, typically a misdemeanor, takes on a more serious tone as the prosecution aims to demonstrate that Trump engaged in this activity to perpetuate another crime, specifically linked to election interference. By alleging that Trump’s actions violated New York State law to influence the electoral process, prosecutors seek to elevate the charges to felony status, setting the stage for a dramatic legal showdown.
As the trial unfolds, all eyes are on Colangelo, Bragg, and the prosecution team as they navigate the intricacies of the case. With the future of a former president hanging in the balance, the courtroom drama is sure to captivate audiences and spark intense debate across political spectrums. Stay tuned as the trial of a lifetime continues to unravel, revealing the complexities of justice, power, and accountability at the highest levels of government.
