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Cohen Resubmits Pardon Request After Trump Radio Reunion

8/21/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump appeared on Michael Cohen’s 770 WABC radio program Thursday.
The interview was their first public conversation in eight years.
Cohen said Trump respected his recanted testimony and described the reunion as forgiveness.
Cohen announced he resubmitted a presidential pardon request denied by the prior administration.
Cohen, who served three years for campaign-finance crimes, helped secure Trump’s 34-count conviction in 2024.

History

Historical Context

On September 8 1974 President Gerald Ford granted former President Richard Nixon a full, unconditional pardon, ending any criminal case stemming from the Watergate scandal that had forced Nixon’s resignation on August 9. The move sparked a 30-day national debate, cut Ford’s approval rating by 22 points, and contributed to his 1976 election loss, illustrating how presidential clemency can reshape political accountability.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump appeared on Michael Cohen’s 770 WABC radio program Thursday.
The interview was their first public conversation in eight years.
Cohen said Trump respected his recanted testimony and described the reunion as forgiveness.
Cohen announced he resubmitted a presidential pardon request denied by the prior administration.
Cohen, who served three years for campaign-finance crimes, helped secure Trump’s 34-count conviction in 2024.

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