Michael Cohen
Democrat Former Associates
Summary
Trump's former personal attorney and 'fixer' who pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations and became a key witness against Trump, calling him a 'racist,' 'conman,' and 'cheat.'
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
He's a racist. He is a con man, and he's a cheat.
House Oversight Committee testimony
“
I fear that if he loses the election in 2020, there will never be a peaceful transition of power.
House Oversight Committee testimony
“
Donald Trump is a man who ran for office to make his brand great, not to make our country great. He had no desire or intention to lead this nation — only to market himself and to build his wealth and power.
House Oversight Committee testimony
Timeline
2006
Became Trump's personal attorney
Started working for Trump
2016
Arranged hush money payments
Paid Stormy Daniels to influence election
April 9, 2018
FBI raided office and home
Investigation into payments began
August 21, 2018
Pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations
Implicated Trump in crimes
December 12, 2018
Sentenced to three years in prison
Convicted for Trump-related crimes
February 27, 2019
Testified before Congress
Called Trump racist, conman, cheat
May 13, 2024
Testified in Trump criminal trial
Key witness in hush money case
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- Personal Attorney to Donald Trump (2006-2018)
- Executive Vice President, Trump Organization
- Co-President, Trump Entertainment
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Trump is a racist, conman, and cheat
- 02 Trump ran for office to enrich himself, not serve country
- 03 Trump would not peacefully transfer power if he lost
- 04 Trump directed illegal campaign finance scheme
- 05 Trump has no desire to lead the nation
Documentation
Sources
Transcript February 27, 2019
Cohen calls Trump 'a conman' and 'a cheat'
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/cohen-calls-trump-a-conman-and-a-cheat
News May 13, 2024
Trump hush money trial: Michael Cohen testifies against former president
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/13/trump-trial-michael-cohen-testifies-against-former-president.html
Explore the full list of Republican officials, military leaders, and former staff who have spoken out against Trump.