Full Breakdown
Trump and Michael Cohen Reunite on Radio, Hinting at Possible Pardon
8/25/2026, 5:53:58 AM
Background & Context
Michael Cohen was Donald Trump’s personal attorney from 2006 to 2018, handling hush-money payments and serving as the president’s “attack dog.” After the FBI’s 2018 raid of his office, Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign-finance crimes and later testified against Trump in the 2023 New York civil fraud case and the 2024 criminal hush-money trial that led to Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts. Their post-testimony exchange turned hostile, with Cohen calling Trump a “con man” and Trump labeling Cohen a “rat.”
In early 2025 Cohen launched a radio program on WABC-77, a station that often carries pro-Trump commentary. He also filed a renewed pardon application addressed to the Trump administration after a prior request was denied by the Biden administration.
Core Event
In late August 2026, Trump called into Cohen’s show, “Burying the Hatchet,” and praised Cohen for a “brave thing.” Trump asserted that Cohen had recanted his earlier testimony after pressure from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The interview was cordial, with both men recalling their past relationship and avoiding detailed discussion of the legal battles that once divided them.
Official Statements & Responses
- Donald Trump framed Cohen’s alleged recantation as evidence of “weaponization” by prosecutors, saying the former fixer was forced to change his testimony under threat of jail. He added he would not be speaking with Cohen if the latter had not taken back his statements.
- Michael Cohen reiterated his desire for a presidential pardon, noting he had resubmitted the same application with a revised cover letter that replaced President Joe Biden’s name with Trump’s. He said he had not yet received acknowledgment from the White House and planned to follow up.
- A White House official confirmed the administration reviews all clemency requests but was not actively tracking Cohen’s submission.
- Legal analysts noted Cohen’s 2019 guilty plea covered eight criminal counts and a three-year term, while Trump’s 2024 conviction involved 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Trump’s claim that Cohen “recanted” his testimony is not corroborated by the court record; Cohen continues to assert he testified under duress but has not formally withdrawn his statements. Media outlets differ on whether Cohen’s public remarks constitute a true recantation or a strategic repositioning. The status of Cohen’s pardon request remains unclear, as the White House has not confirmed receipt.
Why It Matters
The reunion signals a potential shift in the political calculus surrounding Trump’s legal challenges. By portraying Cohen as a victim of “weaponized” prosecution, Trump seeks to undermine the credibility of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and the New York Attorney General’s civil case. For Cohen, a restored alliance with Trump could improve his prospects for clemency and facilitate a return to business activities hampered by his conviction. The episode also illustrates a broader pattern of former Trump allies re-entering his circle after periods of estrangement, raising questions about dissent within the president’s support base.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Look, you took back, you recanted your testimony,” — Donald Trump
- “I wouldn’t even be talking to you right now if you didn’t, to be honest,” — Donald Trump
- “What about people like me who were weaponized against?” — Michael Cohen
- “I took that same application with the same documentation, and I just rewrote the cover letter removing the name of President Joe Biden and inserting the name President Donald Trump,” — Michael Cohen
