Trump Open to Pardoning Ex-Fixer Michael Cohen After Recantation
Trump says he may pardon Michael Cohen, whose recanted testimony was key to his 2024 conviction.
US President Donald Trump has indicated he would consider granting a presidential pardon to Michael Cohen, his former personal attorney, who is currently seeking clemency. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said, "If everything is checking out, it's something I would consider."
Trump's remarks come after Cohen, who was a key witness in the 2024 criminal case against the president, recently stated that he "felt pressured and coerced" during his testimony. Trump acknowledged this shift, saying, "I appreciate that at least he came out, although late, he came out and rectified the situation."
Cohen's legal troubles stem from a 2018 conviction, for which he was sentenced to three years in prison. He served over a year behind bars for his role in arranging a $130,000 hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election. His sentence also covered charges of tax evasion and lying to Congress.
The former fixer's testimony was instrumental in Trump's 2024 conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the concealment of that payment. Trump has denied any encounter with Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, and is currently appealing the ruling.