Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer and fixer for President Trump, issued a cautionary statement regarding the potential risks associated with Trump’s mounting legal fees and financial liabilities. Cohen, now a vocal critic of the former president, expressed concerns about Trump’s susceptibility to external influence due to his financial obligations.
In an interview on MSNBC’s “The Weekend,” Cohen emphasized the need for caution in considering Trump’s candidacy for the presidency, stating, “We need to be very careful about him as a potential president because he is for sale.” Cohen highlighted the challenge Trump faces in raising over $500 million within a short timeframe to address his financial obligations.
Cohen’s warning coincides with recent legal setbacks for Trump, including a civil fraud case in New York where he was found liable for nearly $355 million in penalties. The case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, alleged that Trump manipulated his net worth on financial statements to obtain tax and insurance benefits, as well as favorable loans and deals, raising allegations of fraud.
Furthermore, Trump faced defamation charges in a separate civil case, resulting in a total verdict of $88.3 million. Cohen acknowledged the financial strain on Trump, agreeing with the suggestion that he may be “open to the highest bidder” due to his escalating legal costs.
Trump’s legal troubles extend beyond civil cases, with indictments in four criminal cases, including investigations by special counsel Jack Smith and cases in Georgia and New York. The impending trial in the New York hush money case, where Cohen has been a witness, adds to Trump’s legal challenges.
