The United States: President Donald Trump and his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen have resumed contact after years of public conflict, with Cohen describing their relationship as “being resuscitated.” The two spoke in a recorded 40-minute interview for Cohen’s radio programme, marking their first public conversation since their professional relationship collapsed more than eight years ago.
Trump told Cohen during the interview that he respected him for having “recanted” statements and said Cohen had been “weaponized” against him. Cohen said the two had forgiven each other but declined to discuss privately what Trump may have said or whether he had apologised.
Why did Trump and Cohen fall out?
Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to eight federal criminal charges and implicated Trump in a payment scheme involving women who alleged affairs with Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen later became a key prosecution witness in Trump’s New York criminal case.
Trump subsequently referred to Cohen as a “rat” and a liar, while Cohen publicly criticised Trump and wrote books about his relationship with the former president.
What is the status of their relationship now?
Cohen said reconciliation began after an unidentified person described as a White House insider contacted him with a message from Trump. According to Cohen, the two later met privately at Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Cohen also disclosed that he has submitted a pardon application to the Trump administration, although he said he had not personally asked Trump for a pardon. A White House official said the clemency review team was not currently tracking the request and stressed that submitting an application does not indicate that it will be granted.
Cohen said he intends to follow up with the White House regarding the status of his application.