Kai Bird releases new biography of Roy Cohn, detailing his influence as a mentor to Donald Trump
Kai Bird and Susan Goldmark have released a biography of Roy Cohn titled 'American Scoundrel.' The book provides a comprehensive account of the life of the notorious lawyer and political figure who served as a primary mentor to Donald Trump.
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Cohn's career included serving as chief counsel to Senator Joe McCarthy and a major role in the 1950s 'Lavender Scare.' He also became a prominent figure in New York law, representing mobsters and eventually being disbarred for unethical conduct. Cohn began advising Donald Trump in 1973 when Trump was a 27-year-old real estate developer. Cohn helped Trump navigate a Justice Department lawsuit regarding the Fair Housing Act and secured his first major Manhattan real estate deal. During this litigation, Cohn taught Trump his signature legal and political tactics, such as never settling and claiming victory. Bird argues that Cohn's political mindset and divisive rhetoric influenced the current political landscape. The biography highlights how Cohn's style of resentment and division helped shape the MAGA movement and the narcissistic politics of Donald Trump.
Sources
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He was a privileged Jewish kid from NYC's Upper East Side. Donald Trump was his greatest invention.
The Forward
Paywall and unreadable sources
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Book Review: ‘American Scoundrel,’ by Kai Bird
The New York Times
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Roy Cohn Did It First
The Atlantic
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Roy Cohn is still up to his same old tricks
The Hill
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The ruthless mentor who taught Trump to crush opponents
The Telegraph