Michael Cohen, once known as Donald Trump’s “fixer,” has transitioned to a markedly different position as a chief witness against the former president. The evolution of Cohen’s role from a steadfast and close ally to a pivotal disapproving voice against Trump offers a lens into his unique profession and, more broadly, the shadowy societal-political landscape of the United States.
From the early stages of his career in the 2000s, Michael Cohen earned a reputation for his dogged loyalty — a trait that initially attracted Donald Trump. Cohen’s path to becoming Trump’s fixer commenced when he purchased multiple condominiums in a Trump-owned property. Beyond the business deals, his aggressive tactics in addressing unfavorable scenarios from the media and legal entities earned him a distinct recognition within the Trump organization.
In 2006, Cohen officially joined the Trump Organization and rapidly escalated to Trump’s right-hand person. As the exclusive fixer, Cohen managed sensitive matters, from silencing critics to negotiating business agreements, attributing discretion as his modus operandi. Stepping outside the traditional confines of a lawyer, he flexibly morphed into varying roles and responsibilities, maintaining Trump’s image as an influential businessman-turned-politician.
However, following Trump’s controversial presidential tenure, Michael Cohen’s relationship with his long-term client faltered. Troubles began when Trump’s former fixer was dragged into a legal quagmire, with the FBI raiding his New York City home and office in 2018. Following a slew of lawsuits related to misuse of campaign funds, perjury, tax evasion, and bank fraud, Cohen’s unraveled involvement began hinting towards potentially incriminating evidence against the former president.
It was, however, Cohen’s guilty plea in 2018 to multiple charges, including campaign finance violations, that became the turning point. It revealed a more sinister facet of his role in the Trump organization, painting a picture of secret cash handouts and unauthorized payments. More significantly, it shifted Cohen’s legal position from an implicated protagonist to a critical witness in Trump’s federal investigations.
The transition to the former fixer becoming a state witness brought forth his copious knowledge about Trump’s professional dealings. As the person entrusted for addressing Trump’s legal issues, Cohen possessed an inclusive understanding of Trump’s business and campaign practices – information that provides a fresh perspective to investigators.
Cohen’s stark reversal took further shape with his public testimony before Congress in February 2019. Providing meticulous details about several instances
