Arthur Aidala reportedly considered for Brooklyn U.S. Attorney by Trump

December 6, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Arthur Aidala, former president of the Brooklyn Bar Association, is reportedly being considered by Donald Trump’s transition team for the position of Brooklyn U.S. attorney. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Mario Belluomo

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Brooklyn attorney Arthur Aidala, known for his high-profile clientele and political connections, has emerged as a contender for Brooklyn U.S. attorney, according to The New York Daily News.

Rumors of his connection to Donald Trump date back to 2016, when the then-president-elect briefly considered Aidala for the same role.

Trump ultimately chose Richard Donoghue for the position, but Aidala’s name has surfaced again as Trump’s transition team evaluates potential candidates for a second term. When asked about the possibility, Aidala called it an “honor.”

“If I was called upon to serve the community that I grew up in and lived in that capacity, I would consider it the honor of a lifetime,” Aidala told the Daily News.

Aidala Bertuna and Kamins, Aidala’s law firm, previously held discussions with Trump about representing him in an appeal tied to the Stormy Daniels hush money case. While those talks did not lead to an agreement, they highlight the firm’s ongoing proximity to Trump’s legal dealings.

Aidala has long been seen as a lawyer with political ambitions. Early in his career, he ran for City Council and lost by a narrow margin. In 2018, he seriously considered running for Brooklyn District Attorney but decided against it when Eric Gonzalez emerged as the leading candidate.

During his contemplation of a DA run, Aidala hosted a high-profile fundraiser that reportedly brought in over $250,000.

Aidala’s influence extends beyond Trump. He has defended notable clients such as Rudy Giuliani and Harvey Weinstein and remains close to members of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Currently, he represents Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams’ chief adviser, in a Manhattan District Attorney investigation, as well as Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello in a federal probe into financial dealings.

Aidala’s ties to Adams include being a campaign donor and confidant of Frank Carone, the mayor’s former chief of staff. Despite these connections, Aidala declined to say whether he would recuse himself from cases involving city officials if appointed U.S. attorney.