Key Takeaways
- Michael Cohen claims New York prosecutors pressured and coerced his testimony against Donald Trump.
- His shifting stance led to public backlash, including the termination of his MeidasTouch podcast collaboration.
- Cohen discusses his perceived betrayal by Trump, describing an abrupt end to their decade-long communication.
- He advocates for a "Trump Emancipation Proclamation Order" to assist 70 million nonviolent felons.
- Cohen details Donald Trump's early presidential ambitions and campaign strategy from 2011 to 2015.
- He clarifies his past financial independence and his desired role as Trump's personal attorney.
- Trump's children attempted to convince their father to withdraw from the 2015 presidential race.
Deep Dive
- Michael Cohen advised 100 university presidents to settle early with Donald Trump, citing Trump Organization tactics of escalating demands.
- The guest asserted Trump uses leverage to ensure capitulation, predicting universities would ultimately pay, similar to law firms in previous cases.
- Cohen stated he refused to lie under oath, questioning the justice system's fairness and prosecutor motives.
- His involvement with prosecutors stemmed from the "Russia hoax" and false allegations, where all 13 claims against him were asserted to be untrue.
- He rejected advice received in prison to remain silent, prioritizing speaking the truth despite being "canceled by both sides."
- Michael Cohen desired to be personal attorney to the president, not Chief of Staff, valuing the role as deeply honorable and fulfilling.
- Donald Trump reportedly respected Cohen's commitment to his son's baseball career, avoiding contact during family events unless urgent.
- Cohen experienced an abrupt end to a decade of consistent communication with Donald Trump after his home and office were raided.
- He described this as an "ultimate betrayal," likening it to being run over multiple times by a brother.
- Cohen speculates that individuals surrounding Donald Trump, like Jared Kushner, were responsible for the breakdown in loyalty and the poor decision to abandon him.
- Prior to working for Trump, Cohen was financially successful as a lawyer and business owner, emphasizing he was comfortable and not motivated by money.
- He detailed extensive involvement in the taxi industry, owning 285 yellow cabs and numerous medallions, with significant holdings valued at millions.
- Cohen purchased properties in Trump World Tower around 2000 as investments, renting them to ambassadors and consulates due to proximity to the United Nations.
- As special counsel, Michael Cohen received a "naked summons" for a Jane Doe case alleging rape by Donald Trump, finding it suspicious due to a mother acting as guardian for an adult.
- His investigator found the plaintiff's address was a vacant lot, and lawyers admitted they had never met their client, ultimately leading to case withdrawal.
- Cohen denies allegations of threatening the Jane Doe, stating the case was dismissed because it lacked legitimacy.
- The guest noted Donald Trump's high approval rating among Republicans, fluctuating between 92% and 96%.
- Cohen ranked Trump as one of the most loyal individuals to those loyal to him, a sentiment he claims he would have expressed in 2020.
- He stated he would not have testified if he had received any loyalty or care from Trump's camp, comparing the lack of support to what would be expected from a mob boss.
- In 2015, Ivanka, Don, and Eric Trump entered Cohen's office, urging him to convince their father to withdraw from the presidential race due to controversial remarks.
- The Trump siblings told Cohen that, because of his actions, their legacy would become "the Rump organization" instead of the Trump organization.
- Donald Trump's sister, Judge Barry, also contacted Cohen expressing concern about his actions, with Cohen noting Trump feared his sister.
- Michael Cohen outlined his proposed "Trump Emancipation Proclamation Order" (TEPO), a plan to grant 70 million nonviolent felons a second chance by removing the stigma of their records.
- He co-authored this proposal with Jesse Jackson Jr. to address the impact of felony convictions on bank accounts, employment, and housing.
- Cohen expressed a desire to discuss this proposal with Donald Trump, despite past actions and his own personal experience of 51 days in solitary confinement.
- Discussions about Donald Trump's presidential run began after a 2011 newspaper survey showed 5% support for him against Barack Obama.
- Cohen created 'ShouldTrumpRun.com' in 2011, which garnered 10 million responses within 72 hours, demonstrating significant public interest.
- Trump ultimately decided against running in 2012, opting instead for a 2015 campaign after daily strategy discussions that included specific foreign policy ideas.
- Michael Cohen argues that pardoning individuals who have served their sentences is crucial for reintegration into society, offering positive impacts on families and spouses.
- He highlighted the "First Step Act of 2018," signed by President Trump, which aimed to reduce recidivism and address challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly regarding banking and credit.
- Cohen expressed willingness to face criticism for advocating a $70 million Emancipation Proclamation order for 70 million Americans, even from those who would benefit.
- The guest questioned why some states and cities do not cooperate with federal authorities on immigration and crime reporting, emphasizing the federal government's responsibility to protect its citizens.
- He also questioned if ICE agents should use force against individuals, particularly women, when exercising First Amendment rights, while acknowledging job risks.
- The discussion touched on former President Trump's past statements on national security interests, including Greenland and Cuba.