The intertwining of personal politics and legal roles brings scrutiny in high-profile cases.
A Fox News report revealed that Anne K. Small, the spouse of Matthew Colangelo, a former Biden DOJ official now working on Trump's prosecution, has heavily supported Democratic campaigns, including President Biden’s.
Anne K. Small is not merely a political donor; her professional journey is deeply rooted in the legal field. Her career highlights include serving as the SEC's General Counsel and clerking for retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.
Small's contribution of $2,800 to President Biden's 2020 campaign aligns with her previous political engagements, having also supported Barack Obama in 2008 and John Kerry in 2004.
Small's roles extend beyond traditional law practice; she is on the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund Board. This organization recently advocated for former President Trump’s disqualification from office based on the 14th Amendment. The relevance of this amendment was highlighted when the Colorado Supreme Court utilized it to disqualify Trump following the January 6, 2021, Capitol event.
Anne K. Small's legal influence is underlined by her participation with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, especially when considering their brief championing the position that Trump should be disqualified. Their stance, however, has faced criticism for allegedly impinging on Trump's First Amendment rights concerning social media activities.
Here is a detailed exposition from Janai Nelson regarding the 14th Amendment's interpretation:
By not only ignoring the plain text and purpose of the Fourteenth Amendment but proscribing the exact manner in which Congress would have to act, the Court effectively provided constitutional immunity to insurrectionists, absent legislation from Congress. This continues a disturbing and dangerous pattern of judicial overreach and activism.
Scrutiny extends to others in the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office. As reported by Fox News Digital, Susan Hoffinger, another prosecutor under Bragg, also contributed to Biden’s 2020 campaign. This revelation feeds into broader concerns about the impartiality of the legal team pursuing charges against Trump.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Small, Colangelo, and the Manhattan DA’s office for comments but has not yet received a response. The involvement of multiple individuals with explicit political contributions in prominent legal actions raises questions about potential biases.
Rep. Lance Gooden has voiced serious concerns about the Department of Justice under President Biden. In a strongly worded letter, he criticized what he perceives as evident partisanship within the DOJ and the courts handling Trump's trials:
The Department of Justice under President Biden has proven to be a cesspool of partisanship, further evident by the hyper-politicized courts that have taken up President Trump’s criminal trials.
Gooden’s demand to respond to his inquiries by May 24, 2024, places a timestamp on the unfolding drama. This request stresses the urgency with which certain congressional members view the investigation's potential bias.
In conclusion, the financial contributions Anne K. Small made to Democratic campaigns and her role in influential legal circles, juxtaposed with her husband’s position in prosecuting former President Trump, weave a complex narrative.
This story reflects ongoing debates about the integrity of legal proceedings against political figures and highlights the influence of personal political beliefs on professional responsibilities in sensitive legal contexts. Criticisms from political figures like Rep. Lance Gooden spotlight heightened scrutiny and demand for transparency in these high-stakes legal battles.
