Former President Donald Trump and his one-time personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who became prominent adversaries, have engaged in their first public conversation in nearly ten years. The interview, conducted for a radio program, marks a significant turn in their long-standing public feud.
Cohen, who had been a key witness in several legal cases against Trump, described the reunion in a Substack post, emphasizing forgiveness as the foundation for their renewed dialogue. He stated that reconciliation does not erase the past or the scars left by their previous conflict, but rather requires the courage to let go of past grievances. Cohen also referenced a biblical verse from Colossians, which speaks of bearing with and forgiving one another, as central to their reconciliation.
Despite their history of public animosity, Cohen wrote that he and Trump spent about fifteen years working together, building relationships and experiencing both victories and setbacks, culminating in Trump reaching the presidency. The fallout from their partnership, however, was significant.
Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to charges including lying to Congress, campaign finance violations, and tax evasion, stemming from work he did for Trump. He received a three-year prison sentence, part of which he served under home confinement.
Earlier this year, Cohen stated that he felt pressured and coerced by New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to provide testimony that would aid in building cases against Trump. This admission led to a left-wing network dropping him as a frequent guest.
Cohen expressed that society is too often consumed by "permanent outrage" and that individuals should not define themselves by those they dislike. He suggested that their reunion is not about forgetting history but about allowing forgiveness to shape the future. He urged listeners to "listen before you judge," asserting that history is sometimes made in quieter ways than elections, wars, or betrayals.
The first part of the interview was scheduled to air on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET on 77WABC, with additional content to be released on Sunday evening on Cohen's "When You Know… You Know" platform. Cohen also mentioned in a separate context that he plans to change his name and leave his current location if Trump is elected in the November 2024 elections.