Trump and Cohen Reunite for Radio Interview, Criticize Media

During a surprising radio interview on Thursday, President Donald Trump spoke with his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, who had become a foe, highlighting the media’s influence on their relationship before their recent reconciliation. In this two-part interview on Cohen’s radio show, they discussed past events and shared their views on media conduct.

Cohen recalled his 2016 CNN interview with host Brianna Keilar. In this interview, Keilar challenged him about Trump’s standing in the polls, leading Cohen to respond with the phrase “says who,” which went viral. Reflecting on the event, Trump noted, “They weaponized you like nobody’s ever been weaponized, like few have been.” Cohen agreed, saying, “Well, maybe just you and me, sir.” Trump added, “Well, yeah, me too, but mine was at a level that nobody’s ever seen before, but they weaponized you. They weaponized a lot of people.” Trump acknowledged Cohen’s willingness to retract previous statements as significant progress.

Cohen also remembered a conversation with Trump right after the CNN interview, where Trump encouraged him by saying, “F— them. You’re stronger than them. We’ve got this.” This marked a defining moment in their partnership.

The radio conversation marked the first public interaction between Trump and Cohen in nearly a decade. Cohen mentioned that CNN never apologized for the interview fallout and observed how media outlets continue similar practices by discussing Trump’s favorability numbers.

Later in the interview, Trump critiqued specific media institutions, particularly The New York Times, stating, “The polls are crooked. So are the reporters; you know, many of them. You have some great ones too. But for the most part… when you read The New York Times, it’s so dishonest.” Despite the criticism, he acknowledged the existence of good journalists and reporters.

Both figures criticized mainstream media during the episode, agreeing on the media’s role in shaping public perceptions. Fox News reached out to The New York Times, CNN, and MS NOW for comments but did not receive immediate replies.

Cohen noted that the interview lasted 40 minutes and would be broadcast in two parts, with the second part airing on his Sunday show, “When You Know You Know.” Cohen, a crucial witness in two New York cases against Trump, also wrote a Substack post detailing the conversation, symbolizing a notable reunion after many years.