Michael Cohen slammed after he warns Trump may receive money from 'foreign entities' to pay legal bills

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Michael Cohen, former attorney to Donald Trump, has issued a stark warning about potential foreign involvement in funding the mounting legal bills faced by the former President.

Speaking during an interview with MSNBC’s 'Deadline: White House' on Monday, March 18, Cohen expressed concerns regarding Trump's efforts to secure finances from abroad, as his legal team struggles to meet the financial obligations in his New York fraud case.

Cohen's apprehensions

“As Americans, we should be very concerned where that money is coming from,” said Cohen. “First and foremost, if it’s coming from a company like Chubb or Federated [Insurance], yes we know that company, it’s an American company, and so on. But what if hypothetically, the money is coming from Saudi Arabia, from Qatar?"

“What if by chance, it’s coming through a backdoor channel of Russia? That now leaves a potential presidential candidate … basically owing a foreign entity. All at the expense of America’s security? This is no joke,” he continued.

Cohen's apprehensions stem from the revelation made by Trump's lawyers, who stated in court filings that it would be "impossible" for them to secure the $454 million bond due in Trump's New York fraud case.

This assertion comes as a significant setback in Trump's legal battle, with a New York judge ordering him to pay nearly $355 million in penalties for his involvement in a scheme to deceive about his net worth to gain tax and insurance benefits.

During his interview, Cohen emphasized the potential ramifications of Trump seeking financial assistance from foreign entities, raising concerns about national security implications.

“This places our national security in jeopardy and continues to make Donald Trump the single most … dangerous thing in America to our national security and democracy,” he said. “He doesn’t care where the money comes from as long as he gets it.”

Cohen's apprehensions were echoed by Democratic Rep Sean Casten, who took to social media to highlight the inherent risks posed by Trump's desperate financial situation.

“The presumptive @GOP nominee for President is desperate for $464M (and counting) which he cannot personally access. That fact alone makes him a massive national security risk; any foreign adversary seeking to buy a President knows the price," he wrote.

Trump's mounting legal fees have been a subject of scrutiny, with filings revealing staggering sums spent on legal defense. His fundraising committees reportedly disbursed nearly $30 million in legal fees during the second half of 2023 alone.

Moreover, Trump's Save America leadership PAC reportedly expended nearly $3 million in legal consulting fees in the first month of the current year, The Hill reported.

Social media slams Cohen's claims

However, Cohen's assertions have not gone uncontested, as he faced criticism on social media platforms. Many pointed to his own tainted past, referencing his previous convictions for perjury, tax evasion, and making false statements.

"This guy would say anything!" one posted on X.

"Who on earth would believe ANYTHING this person says??! Didn’t he already go to prison for…’Perjury’….’Tax Evasion’… And… ‘Making False Statements?!!’" another wondered.

"Cohen is the joke," someone else commented.

"Compromised," a comment read.

"This man along with Michael Avenatti and Stormy were planning to extort Trump," another added. 

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