Crucial Quote
Cohen told his Substack readers Thursday to “listen” to his interview with Trump “before you judge” and claimed the discussion would make “history” in a “quieter” manner. “Sometimes the most extraordinary act of courage isn’t winning the fight. It’s deciding the fight doesn’t have to last forever. And sometimes, after everything has burned down, forgiveness is the only thing capable of building something again,” Cohen wrote. “This evening, you’ll hear whether we can.”
Read more Bitcoin Soars Above $70,000 After Trump Calls For Passage Of Clarity Act At White House Crypto Event
What to Watch for
How both Trump and Cohen will benefit from their reconciliation. While Cohen has painted the discussion as just two men burying the hatchet, making up is in both of their best interests. Trump has used Cohen in recent months as he’s sought to appeal his criminal conviction over hush money payments the ex-attorney made, pointing to public statements Cohen has made suggesting he felt coerced by prosecutors to testify against Trump. Rekindling his relationship with Cohen could ensure the ex-attorney—who served as the star witness at Trump’s criminal trial—will help the president rather than the prosecution as the appeals process moves forward. For Cohen, making nice with Trump can help his radio career, as he’s now filling in for former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on radio station WABC. That station is owned by Trump-allied billionaire John Catsimatidis, who told the New York Post he asked the White House for permission before inviting Cohen on air. The White House pointed to Cohen and Trump smoothing things over when they gave the okay, Catsimatidis said, suggesting Cohen’s newfound friendship with Trump will help keep him on the air. Trump also has the power to grant Cohen clemency and erase his previous criminal conviction, though Cohen has already completed his prison sentence for crimes related to the hush money payments he made on Trump’s behalf. Cohen told Politico on Wednesday that he wasn’t yet sure if he’d ask Trump to pardon him. “Will I make that request down the road?” Cohen said. “I don’t know. Maybe, maybe not.”
Read more Bitcoin Soars After Trump Hosts Crypto Executives At White House And Urges Passage Of Clarity Act
This story is breaking and will be updated.