POLITICS
Michael Cohen: Trump's former personal lawyer in the spotlight
![Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs his home in Manhattan to testify in Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in New York City, U.S., May 20, 2024.](jpg/73767074007-20240520-t-114653-z-1435475865-rc-2-bu-7-adlebb-rtrmadp-3-usatrumpnewyork1b51.jpg)
Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs his home in Manhattan to testify in Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in New York City, U.S., May 20, 2024.
Eduardo Munoz, REUTERS![Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs his home in Manhattan to testify in Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in New York City, U.S.](jpg/73767072007-20240520-t-115041-z-1708305339-rc-2-bu-7-a-4-t-4-ku-rtrmadp-3-usatrumpnewyork1b51.jpg)
Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs his home in Manhattan to testify in Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in New York City, U.S.
Eduardo Munoz, REUTERS![Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs his home in Manhattan to testify in Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in New York City, U.S., May 20, 2024.](jpg/73767070007-20240520-t-115504-z-1565983870-rc-2-bu-7-acqsra-rtrmadp-3-usatrumpnewyork29f2.jpg)
Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs his home in Manhattan to testify in Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in New York City, U.S., May 20, 2024.
Eduardo Munoz, REUTERS![Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs his home in Manhattan to testify in Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in New York City, U.S., May 20, 2024.](jpg/73767071007-20240520-t-115552-z-1015843857-rc-2-bu-7-anv-2-u-7-rtrmadp-3-usatrumpnewyork1b51.jpg)
Michael Cohen, former lawyer for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs his home in Manhattan to testify in Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in New York City, U.S., May 20, 2024.
Eduardo Munoz, REUTERS![Michael Cohen, a former attorney for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, heads to court for second day of cross-examination at Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, New York City, U.S., May 16, 2024.](jpg/73713455007-20240516-t-122239-z-435424265-rc-2-or-7-atd-9-xz-rtrmadp-3-usatrumpnewyorkcohendeparture493a.jpg)
Michael Cohen, a former attorney for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, heads to court for second day of cross-examination at Trump's criminal trial over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, New York City, U.S., May 16, 2024.
David Dee Delgado, Reuters![Michael Cohen a former attorney for Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, departs to testify at Trump's criminal trial, over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, at Manhattan state court in New York City, U.S., May 14, 2024.](jpg/73687197007-20240514-t-134139-z-413255878-rc-2-bq-7-a-8-klos-rtrmadp-3-usatrumpnewyork493a.jpg)
Michael Cohen a former attorney for Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump, departs to testify at Trump's criminal trial, over charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, at Manhattan state court in New York City, U.S., May 14, 2024.
Cheney Orr, REUTERS![Michael Cohen testifies during former U.S. President Donald Trump's criminal trial on charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in Manhattan state court in New York City on May 14, 2024 in this courtroom sketch.](jpg/73693261007-20240514-t-220331-z-1816537600-rc-2-aq-7-a-1-pg-8-f-rtrmadp-3-usatrumpnewyorktrial44b8.jpg)
Michael Cohen testifies during former U.S. President Donald Trump's criminal trial on charges that he falsified business records to conceal money paid to silence porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, in Manhattan state court in New York City on May 14, 2024 in this courtroom sketch.
Jane Rosenberg, REUTERS![Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court for the trial of former US President Donald Trump for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York City, on May 13, 2024.](jpg/73669190007-afp-215220496995fd.jpg)
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court for the trial of former US President Donald Trump for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York City, on May 13, 2024.
Angela Weiss, AFP Via Getty Images![Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court for the trial of former US President Donald Trump for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York City, on May 13, 2024. Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York was expected to hear his former lawyer turned tormentor Michael Cohen testify Monday about his role in what prosecutors say was a cover up of payments to hide an affair.](jpg/73669189007-afp-215220835366f5.jpg)
Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen arrives at Manhattan Criminal Court for the trial of former US President Donald Trump for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York City, on May 13, 2024. Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York was expected to hear his former lawyer turned tormentor Michael Cohen testify Monday about his role in what prosecutors say was a cover up of payments to hide an affair.
Angela Weiss, AFP Via Getty Images![Michael Cohen speaks during "Five, The Parody Musical" press preview on Feb. 15, 2024 in New York City.](jpg/73498198007-gty-20130870791b51.jpg)
Michael Cohen speaks during "Five, The Parody Musical" press preview on Feb. 15, 2024 in New York City.
John Lamparski, Getty Images![Donald Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen looks on at court during a break in the former presidents's fraud trial in New York on October 25, 2023. Donald Trump's onetime lawyer turned bitter foe Michael Cohen took the witness stand on October 24, 2023 in the business fraud case against the former US president, accusing his ex-boss of "arbitrarily" inflating his net worth.](jpg/71320761007-afp-afp-33-z-66-pl9e42.jpg)
Donald Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen looks on at court during a break in the former presidents's fraud trial in New York on October 25, 2023. Donald Trump's onetime lawyer turned bitter foe Michael Cohen took the witness stand on October 24, 2023 in the business fraud case against the former US president, accusing his ex-boss of "arbitrarily" inflating his net worth.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY, AFP Via Getty Images![Former President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen leaves Trump's civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court on October 24, 2023 in New York City. Cohen is expected to testify against the former president. Trump may be forced to sell off his properties after Justice Arthur Engoron canceled his business certificates and ruled that he committed fraud for years while building his real estate empire after being sued by Attorney General Letitia James, seeking $250 million in damages. The trial will determine how much he and his companies will be penalized for the fraud.](jpg/71305423007-gty-17545152011b51.jpg)
Former President Donald Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen leaves Trump's civil fraud trial at New York State Supreme Court on October 24, 2023 in New York City. Cohen is expected to testify against the former president. Trump may be forced to sell off his properties after Justice Arthur Engoron canceled his business certificates and ruled that he committed fraud for years while building his real estate empire after being sued by Attorney General Letitia James, seeking $250 million in damages. The trial will determine how much he and his companies will be penalized for the fraud.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images![Former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen looks on as his lawyer speaks to members of the media outside the district attorney's office in New York City on March 15, 2023.](jpg/71297116007-afp-afp-33-be-6-n-3493a.jpg)
Former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen looks on as his lawyer speaks to members of the media outside the district attorney's office in New York City on March 15, 2023.
YUKI IWAMURA, AFP Via Getty Images![Former Donald Trump lawyer and loyalist Michael Cohen walks out of a Manhattan courthouse after testifying before a grand jury on March 13, 2023 in New York City. The grand jury is investigating payments Cohen arranged and made on behalf of the former president.](jpg/73498238007-gty-14733526001b51.jpg)
Former Donald Trump lawyer and loyalist Michael Cohen walks out of a Manhattan courthouse after testifying before a grand jury on March 13, 2023 in New York City. The grand jury is investigating payments Cohen arranged and made on behalf of the former president.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images![Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, speaks to the media before departing his Manhattan apartment for prison on May 6, 2019 in New York City. Cohen is due to report to a federal prison in Otisville, New York, where he will begin serving a three-year sentence for campaign finance violations, tax evasion and other crimes.](jpg/71297115007-gty-11473353501b51.jpg)
Michael Cohen, the former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, speaks to the media before departing his Manhattan apartment for prison on May 6, 2019 in New York City. Cohen is due to report to a federal prison in Otisville, New York, where he will begin serving a three-year sentence for campaign finance violations, tax evasion and other crimes.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images![Michael Cohen, Presidents Trump's former attorney arrives at his Park Avenue home after being released from federal prison on furlough due to medical concerns related to Covid-19 on May 21, 2020 in New York City. Mr.Cohen was scheduled to be released in November of 2121 from his three year sentence.](jpg/71297122007-gty-1214408828493a.jpg)
Michael Cohen, Presidents Trump's former attorney arrives at his Park Avenue home after being released from federal prison on furlough due to medical concerns related to Covid-19 on May 21, 2020 in New York City. Mr.Cohen was scheduled to be released in November of 2121 from his three year sentence.
David Dee Delgado, Getty Images![Michael Cohen exits the Manhattan district attorney's office on March 19, 2021 in New York City. Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump, met with prosecutors for the eighth time in relation to Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.'s investigation into the former president. Vance's team recently won access to Trump's financial records.](jpg/71297117007-gty-1307969061493a.jpg)
Michael Cohen exits the Manhattan district attorney's office on March 19, 2021 in New York City. Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump, met with prosecutors for the eighth time in relation to Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.'s investigation into the former president. Vance's team recently won access to Trump's financial records.
Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images![Michael Cohen, former attorney and fixer for President Donald Trump, testifies before the House Oversight Committee on Capitol Hill Feb. 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. In 2018, Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine for tax evasion, making false statements to a financial institution, unlawful excessive campaign contributions and lying to Congress as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential elections.](jpg/73498252007-gty-1127745618493a.jpg)
Michael Cohen, former attorney and fixer for President Donald Trump, testifies before the House Oversight Committee on Capitol Hill Feb. 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. In 2018, Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine for tax evasion, making false statements to a financial institution, unlawful excessive campaign contributions and lying to Congress as part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential elections.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images![Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's longtime personal attorney, testifies before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Feb. 27, 2019 in Washington.](jpg/636868901834776903-usp-news--michael-cohen-testimony.108ba.jpg)
Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's longtime personal attorney, testifies before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Feb. 27, 2019 in Washington.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY![Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump’s longtime personal attorney, leaving the hearing room following his testimony to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Feb. 27, 2019 in Washington. Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for a series of federal crimes, including campaign finance violations and tax evasion.](jpg/636868901836492936-usp-news--michael-cohen-testimony08ba.jpg)
Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump’s longtime personal attorney, leaving the hearing room following his testimony to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Feb. 27, 2019 in Washington. Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for a series of federal crimes, including campaign finance violations and tax evasion.
Jack Gruber, USA TODAY![Michael Cohen arrives for sentencing at the Moynahan Federal Courthouse on Dec 12, 2018 in New York.](jpg/636868901834776903-usp-news--michael-cohen-sentencing08ba.jpg)
Michael Cohen arrives for sentencing at the Moynahan Federal Courthouse on Dec 12, 2018 in New York.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY![Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney and fixer, exits federal court, Aug. 21, 2018 in New York City. Cohen reached an agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to charges involving bank fraud, tax fraud and campaign finance violations.](jpg/636704706390112383-gty-102090410808ba.jpg)
Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney and fixer, exits federal court, Aug. 21, 2018 in New York City. Cohen reached an agreement with prosecutors, pleading guilty to charges involving bank fraud, tax fraud and campaign finance violations.
Drew Angerer, Getty Images![Michael Cohen leaves the U.S. Courthouse in New York after a scheduled hearing on May 30, 2018.](jpg/636704599734193192-axx-cohen-070308ba.jpg)
Michael Cohen leaves the U.S. Courthouse in New York after a scheduled hearing on May 30, 2018.
Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY![Michael Cohen, former personal attorney for President Trump, exits the Loews Regency Hotel, May 11, 2018 in New York City.](jpg/636704599734349196-gty-95744527008ba.jpg)
Michael Cohen, former personal attorney for President Trump, exits the Loews Regency Hotel, May 11, 2018 in New York City.
Drew Angerer, Getty Images![Michael Cohen, longtime personal lawyer and confidante for President Donald Trump, leaves Federal Court after his hearing at the United States District Court Southern District of New York, April 16, 2018, in New York. Officials with the FBI, armed with a search warrant, raided Cohen's office and two private residences last week.](jpg/636595833643818566-gty-94715295008ba.jpg)
Michael Cohen, longtime personal lawyer and confidante for President Donald Trump, leaves Federal Court after his hearing at the United States District Court Southern District of New York, April 16, 2018, in New York. Officials with the FBI, armed with a search warrant, raided Cohen's office and two private residences last week.
YANA PASKOVA, GETTY IMAGES![Attorney Michael Cohen, US President Donald J. Trump's long-time personal attorney arrives at Federal Court for a hearing in New York on April 16, 2018.](jpg/636595833630714398-epa-usa-new-york-michael-cohen-investigation08ba.jpg)
Attorney Michael Cohen, US President Donald J. Trump's long-time personal attorney arrives at Federal Court for a hearing in New York on April 16, 2018.
JUSTIN LANE, EPA-EFE![Michael Cohen takes a phone call as he sits outside near the Loews Regency hotel on Park Ave on April 13, 2018 in New York.](jpg/636595833645222584-gty-94593990408ba.jpg)
Michael Cohen takes a phone call as he sits outside near the Loews Regency hotel on Park Ave on April 13, 2018 in New York.
YANA PASKOVA, GETTY IMAGES![(L to R) Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for National Security Advisor, Michael Cohen, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and special counsel to Donald Trump, and former Texas Governor Rick Perry talk with each other in the lobby at Trump Tower, December 12, 2016, in New York City. President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team were in the process of filling cabinet and other high level positions for the new administration.](jpg/636588906990884419-gettyimages-62938099408ba.jpg)
(L to R) Retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for National Security Advisor, Michael Cohen, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and special counsel to Donald Trump, and former Texas Governor Rick Perry talk with each other in the lobby at Trump Tower, December 12, 2016, in New York City. President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team were in the process of filling cabinet and other high level positions for the new administration.
Drew Angerer, Getty Images