Michael Cohen: Trump ‘dizzy with delight’ over Capitol riot

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer and “fixer,” watched the president's supporters storm the U.S. Capitol this week and said he could imagine how Trump reacted with approval and enjoyment over the shocking riot that unfolded leading to four lives lost and multiple arrests.

Cohen, 54, who was sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion and campaign finance violations in 2018, last year was allowed to return home to serve out the remainder of his sentence under house arrest due to coronavirus concerns. In an exclusive interview with City and State NY, the disbarred lawyer offered his take on what will happen next to Trump as lawmakers have called for his immediate removal under the 25th Amendment or a second impeachment.

Michael, what was your reaction when you saw Trump supporters rushing the Capitol?

Shocked is an understatement. The melée can only be described as a festival of violence by unhinged Trump supporters. It was nihilism on a grand scale where MAGA loyalists descended upon the Capitol to intimidate Congress and frighten the country. 

If you could read Trump’s mind, what was he thinking when telling protesters to pressure Congress in his favor?

Donald Trump was clearly enjoying himself as he watched his supporters begin to occupy the Capitol. The President believes he has brought the country to its knees and driven its citizens into armed insurrection on his behalf. The fact that he could foment such violence in his name makes him dizzy with delight.

What will Trump likely do now as Congress moves to again impeach him, and amid calls for his inner circle to enact the 25th Amendment?

President Trump knows that there is not enough time to invoke the 25th Amendment and the few inner-circle loyalists that remain will not do so either.

Michael, what’s your advice for Trump? Can you, in your own words, say what you would tell him now?

Enough is enough. It’s time to pack up, head back to Mar-a-Lago and let the country heal under the new administration, where we will have an adult occupying the White House.

What do you believe will be Trump’s strategy, if he is removed from office?

He will not be removed from office. Trump is painfully aware that should he remain in the People’s House post the Biden inauguration, the Capitol Police know very well how to remove trespassers. I believe he will leave for Palm Beach at least the day before and definitely not attend the inauguration. 

Finally, you were part of Trumpworld – you admitted you got sucked into it. You literally were forced out, and now are on the other side. What’s your worst fear now that Trump has less than two weeks in office?

My worst fear is that Donald Trump will continue to blow his MAGA dogwhistle and gaslight his supporters with silent permission to wreak havoc on our country. The next two weeks will be a dangerous time for all of us.

How should New York see Trump’s legacy?

The same way the rest of the country will see Trump’s legacy...a complete and utter disgrace. Trump will be forever known as the worst president in the history of this country!