Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen has publicly requested a presidential pardon from President Biden, drawing a parallel to the pardon granted to Hunter Biden. During an appearance on MSNBC's "The Weekend," Cohen expressed concern about potential prosecution under a future Trump administration, arguing that a pardon would offer him protection.
Cohen stated, "I applied for a presidential pardon because I believe Joe Biden has the same responsibility to me that he had to his own son. I would expect the same pardon he gave his son to be extended to me and anyone else on the 'enemies list,' whether they want it or not. Solitary confinement, which I endured for 51 days, is a terrible experience."
MSNBC host Symone Sanders acknowledged Cohen’s concerns about being targeted by Trump but questioned the comparison to Hunter Biden's situation, emphasizing the unique familial relationship between the president and his son. Cohen retorted, "I'm somebody’s son also," to which Sanders conceded while reiterating the distinction.
Cohen stressed the importance of taking Trump’s statements seriously, asserting that Trump often follows through on his pronouncements. He expressed apprehension about the potential actions of a future Trump administration and individuals appointed to government positions.
Having served three years in prison for tax evasion, campaign finance violations, and lying to Congress during his time working for Trump, Cohen has become a vocal critic of the former president and even testified against him in a New York criminal case. He previously stated his intention to leave the country if Trump were re-elected, going so far as to secure a foreign passport under a different name.
President Biden's decision to pardon Hunter Biden in December drew criticism from various quarters. He has also indicated that he is considering pre-emptive pardons for other individuals perceived as Trump's political adversaries, including former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
