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Michael Cohen undecided on seeking pardon from Trump

Created at 20 Aug · 2:06 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Michael Cohen, former attorney to Donald Trump, has not confirmed if he will seek a presidential pardon during an upcoming interview with Trump. Cohen, who testified against Trump in a recent hush money case, expressed uncertainty about requesting clemency for his three-year prison sentence.

Key Numbers

34counts Trump was convicted of
three-yearprison sentence for Cohen

Who's Involved

Michael Cohen
former attorney to Donald Trump, undecided on seeking pardon
Donald Trump
convicted felon, subject of hush money case
Stormy Daniels
former porn star involved in hush money case

↳ Why This Matters

Michael Cohen's potential request for a pardon from Donald Trump, following his testimony against the former president in a criminal trial, highlights the complex and evolving relationship between the two figures and raises questions about accountability and clemency.

Key facts

  • Michael Cohen is undecided on whether he will ask Donald Trump for a presidential pardon.
  • Cohen testified against Trump in the recent hush money case.
  • Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
  • Cohen previously served as Trump's attorney and worked for the Trump Organization.

Michael Cohen, former attorney to Donald Trump, has indicated he is uncertain whether he will seek a presidential pardon during an upcoming interview with Trump. Cohen, who recently testified as the star witness in the New York hush money case that resulted in Trump's conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, stated he might not request clemency for his own three-year prison sentence.

Cohen, who transitioned from a staunch defender of Trump to a vocal critic, told POLITICO that he was unsure if presidential clemency would be a topic of discussion with Trump. He expressed ambiguity about making such a request in the future, saying, "We'll see. Will I make that request down the road? I don't know. Maybe maybe not."

The possibility of Cohen seeking a pardon is notable given his role in the trial. He testified that he had engaged in illegal activities and bullying on behalf of Trump during his tenure with the Trump Organization. Following his departure from Trump's orbit, Cohen has been critical of his former boss, describing the January 6th Capitol riot as "grotesque" and predicting dire consequences for American democracy if Trump were reelected.

Frequently asked questions

Michael Cohen was the star witness for the prosecution, testifying that he falsified business records at Donald Trump's direction to conceal an affair with Stormy Daniels.

Donald Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the hush money payments.

Michael Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in various crimes committed on behalf of Donald Trump, including tax evasion and campaign finance violations.

What Happens Next

01Cohen's upcoming interview with Donald Trump.

How It Developed

Michael Cohen has not confirmed if he will seek a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
Cohen stated he is unsure if he will make a request for clemency.
Cohen was a key witness in the New York hush money case against Trump.
Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the case.
Cohen previously worked for Trump and the Trump Organization.

Sources

T1
Michael Cohen won’t say if he’ll use his Trump interview to seek a pardonPolitico

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