Michael Cohen’s attorney called out President Donald Trump and his lawyer Rudy Giuliani on Saturday, calling Trump’s suggestion — that Cohen’s phone call recordings were “illegal” — a “flawed’ strategy.
The strategy of @realdonaldtrump @potus @RudyGiuliani is flawed; just as is #Trump’s false #Twitter statement made against @michaelcohen212 this morning. Rudy claims the tape is “exculpatory”. Why so angry?
— Lanny Davis (@LannyDavis) July 21, 2018
Cohen attorney Lanny Davis made a more subtle dig against Giuliani on Twitter Friday when he said that Cohen would not be “hurt” by the contents of the recording, despite attempts to “spin” what’s on the tapes.
The New York Times and CNN reported Friday that Cohen had recorded some of his phone conversations with Trump, including a discussion about a payment made to an ex-Playboy model to keep her quiet about an alleged ongoing affair with Trump. Giuliani confirmed the existence of the recordings, which are in the possession of the FBI, and told reporters Friday that the tapes would be exculpatory for Trump.
Trump tweeted on Saturday, lamenting how “inconceivable” it is that a lawyer would record a client without permission and suggesting that it’s “perhaps illegal” to do so.
In private, Trump was reportedly hurt when he found out about the tapes, “I can’t believe Michael would do this to me.”
“I can’t believe Michael would do this to me.” it was probably Cohen’s view from under the bus that inspired him.
I knew Michael would do something like this, Trump. He has been making that clear for at least a month, you idiot.
I’ve always thought Cohen has to be dumb as dirt, but now I wonder. Taping Trump shows he’s at least got a bit of brain, even if he was doing it purely for self protection. Or especially if he was doing it to protect himself. I guess he at least understands insurance.
He has some mob smarts.
Considering who his partner was in the taxi business, it’s the only reason he’s still alive.
Shorter lede…
Trump Illegal and Flawed