Michael Cohen begs Biden for presidential pardon

Michael Cohen begs Biden

Former Trump attorney Michael Cohen has publicly urged President Joe Biden to grant him a presidential pardon, likening his case to that of Hunter Biden, who was pardoned by the president earlier this month.

Cohen claims a pardon is necessary to shield him from potential legal retribution under President-elect Donald Trump.

Speaking on MSNBC’s The Weekend on Saturday, Cohen detailed his outreach efforts to the Biden administration, emphasizing that not granting him a pardon would leave him vulnerable to a politically motivated prosecution by Trump.

Cohen’s Plea for Protection

“Yes, I’ve submitted an application for a presidential pardon,” Cohen said. “I believe President Biden has a duty to protect me just as he protected his own son. The same pardon extended to Hunter Biden should be given to me and to anyone else on Trump’s so-called enemies list, whether they want it or not. Solitary confinement, where I spent 51 days, is unbearable.”

Cohen further argued that Biden has a responsibility to safeguard critics of Trump from potential retaliation.

MSNBC Host Pushes Back

During the interview, MSNBC host Symone Sanders acknowledged Cohen’s concerns about being on Trump’s “enemies list” but pushed back on his comparison to Hunter Biden.

“Hunter Biden is the president’s last surviving son,” Sanders said.

Cohen replied, “I’m someone’s son too.”

Sanders conceded, “Agreed, you are someone’s son. But to be clear, you’re not the president’s son. His pardon for Hunter was likely influenced by their familial bond.”

Taking Trump Seriously

Cohen also warned about Trump’s intentions if he regains the presidency.

“You have to take Donald Trump at his word,” Cohen said. “Everything he’s said he would do, he’s either done or is working to do. He has four years ahead to fill government positions with loyalists who will help him achieve his objectives. Dismissing him as a threat is dangerous.”

Cohen’s Legal Troubles and Criticism of Trump

Cohen served three years in prison for federal crimes, including tax evasion, campaign finance violations, and lying to Congress during his tenure as Trump’s personal attorney.

Since his release, he has become an outspoken critic of Trump, even testifying against him in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s criminal case earlier this year.

In September, Cohen revealed plans to leave the U.S. if Trump were re-elected, citing concerns for his safety.

“I’m working on a foreign passport under a different name,” Cohen said. “I don’t know how this will affect my family, but I don’t want my wife and children uprooted. I’ll figure it out.”

Hunter Biden Pardon Sparks Controversy

Biden faced bipartisan criticism for pardoning his son, Hunter, in December. Despite previously stating he would not intervene in his son’s legal troubles, the president justified the pardon as a personal decision to protect his family.

The move has fueled speculation about Biden issuing additional pre-emptive pardons before leaving office.

Reports suggest he is considering clemency for other prominent figures on Trump’s alleged enemies list, including former GOP Representative Liz Cheney and Dr. Anthony Fauci.