Michael Cohen reveals Trump refused to run for president in 2011 for real estate and 'The Apprentice'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Michael Cohen shed light on the inner workings of the Trump Organization in a riveting testimony on May 13.
The former personal attorney to Donald Trump disclosed details about Trump's plans for a presidential run in 2011 and his methods of managing media narratives during the 2016 election campaign.
Trump shelved plans to run for 2011 presidential run for 'The Apprentice'
Cohen testified that in 2011, he proposed the idea of Trump running for president after observing public interest following a poll suggesting 6 per cent of people believed Trump should seek the nation's highest office. Trump, intrigued by the idea, reportedly responded by saying, "It's interesting, we should look into it."
Eager to gauge public sentiment, Cohen launched the website ShouldTrumpRun.com, which garnered significant traffic, demonstrating Trump's widespread name recognition and popularity. However, Trump ultimately decided against running in 2011, citing commitments to large real estate projects and an upcoming season of NBC's 'The Apprentice.'
"As Mr Trump told me, you don't leave Hollywood, Hollywood leaves you," Cohen quoted Trump as saying, adding that he promised to run in the next election cycle and they would eventually talk about announcing a run in 2015, CBS News reported.
Michael Cohen 'enjoyed' working for Donald Trump
Reflecting on his tenure with Trump, Cohen reminisced about his initial employment with the real estate mogul in the early 2000s, describing it as an "amazing experience."
“I was honored,” Cohen said of the time Trump offered him a full-time job in the early 2000s after he helped the real estate mogul with an ornery co-op board at one of his namesake properties. He highlighted his role as Trump's problem-solver, emphasizing his dedication to fulfilling Trump's directives. “I would only answer to him," he told jurors.
“It was fantastic. Working for him, especially during those 10 years, was an amazing experience in many, many ways,” Cohen continued. “There were great times, there were several less-than-great times, but for the most part, I enjoyed the responsibility that was given to me. I enjoyed working with my colleagues at the Trump Organization, the Trump children. It was a big family.”
However, Cohen's testimony also exposed a darker side to his relationship with Trump, characterized by manipulation and deception to satisfy Trump's desires. He admitted to lying and bullying on Trump's behalf, driven solely by the goal of pleasing him. Prosecutor Susan Hoffinger asked him, "Why?"
“To accomplish a task”, Cohen responded. “The only thing on my mind was to accomplish the task to make him happy.”
“When he tasked you with something, he would say, ‘Keep me informed,’” Cohen added. “You would [go] straight back and tell him, especially if it was a matter that was upsetting to him.”
One particularly revealing aspect of Cohen's testimony was his involvement in managing negative media coverage, particularly during the 2016 election campaign. Cohen described his efforts to suppress damaging stories, including his coordination with adult film actor Stormy Daniels's attorney to remove a potentially damaging story from a gossip website in 2011.
Donald Trump was 'really angry' with Michael Cohen for not 'taking care' of Stormy Daniels
Cohen's testimony also delved into the infamous hush payment made to Stormy Daniels in 2016, shortly before the presidential election. He recounted Trump's furious reaction upon learning that Daniels's story was resurfacing, recalling Trump's desire to silence any potential scandals that could jeopardize his candidacy.
“He was really angry with me,” Cohen said, before quoting Trump, “I thought you had this under control. I thought you took care of this.”
“We did, in 2011,” Cohen remembered telling his then-boss. “I have no control over what she goes out and does.”
Despite Cohen's assurances, Trump expressed frustration and concern over the potential impact on his reputation and support among women voters. “This was a disaster, a f---ing disaster. Women will hate me.”
In a telling exchange, Cohen revealed Trump's instructions to delay resolving the Daniels matter until after the election. He testified that Trump told him to “push it out as long as you can, past the election, because if I win, I’ll be president, and if I lose, I won’t really care.”
