Since the FBI raided Trump attorney Michael Cohen’s home, office, and hotel room earlier this year, the press has speculated that the former Trump Organization attorney would turn state’s evidence against his former boss if it might help him get out from under possible bank fraud and campaign finance charges. Both Cohen and Trump had refused to comment on the rumors, until now…
In his first interview since the raid, Cohen told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos (President Bill Clinton’s former press secretary) that he would put his “family and country first” if prosecutors decide to file charges against him.
But in his first in-depth interview since the FBI raided his office and homes in April, Cohen strongly signaled his willingness to cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller and federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York – even if that puts President Trump in jeopardy.
According to Stephanopoulos, Cohen disagreed with Trump’s criticism of federal prosecutors, and said that his family is “my first priority” in response to a question about what he would do if he had to choose between protecting himself and protecting President Trump. Stephanopoulos added that Cohen “did not praise” the president during their conversation.
This from the man who once said that he’d “take a bullet” for Trump, a man he’d “do anything” to protect. ABC also pointed out that once Cohen’s new lead attorney, Guy Petrillo, takes over, a joint defense agreement between Cohen’s legal team and Trump’s legal team will be rendered ineffective.
Asked what he would do if Trump and his legal team came after him, Cohen said he wouldn’t be “a punching bag” as part of anybody’s defense strategy.
“I will not be a punching bag as part of anyone’s defense strategy,” he said emphatically. “I am not a villain of this story, and I will not allow others to try to depict me that way.”
[…]
“My wife, my daughter and my son have my first loyalty and always will,” Cohen told me. “I put family and country first.”
Cohen refused to discuss the prosecution, adding that “I respect the prosecutors…I respect the process” and that he doesn’t agree with “those who demonize or vilify the FBI” – a remark that appeared to be directed at the president and his allies.
“I respect the prosecutors. I respect the process,” Cohen said. “I would not do or say anything that might be perceived as interfering with their professional review of the evidence and the facts.”
[…]
“I don’t agree with those who demonize or vilify the FBI. I respect the FBI as an institution, as well as their agents,” Cohen told me. “When they searched my hotel room and my home, it was obviously upsetting to me and my family. Nonetheless, the agents were respectful, courteous and professional. I thanked them for their service and as they left, we shook hands.”
In the past, Cohen has insisted that he made a $130,000 “hush money” payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels on his own initiative. But when asked about the payment by Stephanopoulos, Cohen offered a slightly different take.
“I want to answer. One day I will answer,” he said. “But for now, I can’t comment further on advice of my counsel.”
Moving on to the subject of the Russia investigation, Cohen said he condemned Russia for interfering in the 2016 election, adding that accepting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s denial was “unsustainable.”
“As an American, I repudiate Russia’s or any other foreign government’s attempt to interfere or meddle in our democratic process, and I would call on all Americans to do the same,” he said.
And in a direct rebuttal to President Trump, who sent out a tweet last week repeating Vladimir Putin’s claim that Russia did not interfere in our election, Cohen added this: “Simply accepting the denial of Mr. Putin is unsustainable.”
Back in April, President Trump tweeted that he didn’t expect Cohen to turn on him to save himself.
The New York Times and a third rate reporter named Maggie Haberman, known as a Crooked H flunkie who I don’t speak to and have nothing to do with, are going out of their way to destroy Michael Cohen and his relationship with me in the hope that he will “flip.” They use….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2018
….non-existent “sources” and a drunk/drugged up loser who hates Michael, a fine person with a wonderful family. Michael is a businessman for his own account/lawyer who I have always liked & respected. Most people will flip if the Government lets them out of trouble, even if….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2018
….it means lying or making up stories. Sorry, I don’t see Michael doing that despite the horrible Witch Hunt and the dishonest media!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2018
If he didn’t have the president’s full attention before, Cohen almost certainly has it now.
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