As the trial surrounding former President Donald Trump commenced in New York City, one fact became strikingly clear: Michael Cohen, Trump’s former personal attorney, was not a popular figure in Trump’s inner circle. He held the position of vice president in Trump’s organization for a decade, however, his interactions with colleagues and superiors overseen by his role as Trump’s ‘fixer’ were not appreciated.
Cohen, now a key witness in the ongoing case against Trump and his business, testified that his job had many dimensions to it. The most arguable task was to protect Trump’s interests by any means, a position that often put him at odds with others within Trump’s team.
His former colleagues’ shared sentiments were far from flattering. In this regard, Cohen was branded as a distracting figure who often exuded annoying arrogance. Per their accounts and descriptions, it seemed as though Cohen’s presence alone was enough to disrupt the team’s harmony.
Cohen’s role as a ‘fixer’ was the root cause of his unlikeable nature. By his own admission, he was tasked with dealing with a multitude of situations that could tarnish Trump’s image, such as obtaining private information or handling potential scandals. Cohen’s job often involved ‘fixing’ situations even before they became problems. This methodology, though somewhat effective, meant he constantly treaded on toes, causing a bitter taste among his colleagues.
His underhanded tactics, not only for Trump but also for his self-gain, further isolated Cohen within his team. This aspect became evident especially when he admitted to having leveraged his position for his personal benefit, including a lucrative deal related to Trump’s failed attempt to purchase the Buffalo Bills. His selfish motivations tainted his relationships, forcing colleagues to keep their defenses up during his tenure.
Separately, his aggressive approach also attracted significant criticism. He was known to resort to threats and strong-arm tactics to get the job done. This manner of operation elicited fear rather than respect among his colleagues, further straining relationships within the team.
As Cohen testifies against Trump, his past behavior and actions are under intense scrutiny. It is evident that his aggressive and manipulative praxis made him a disliked figure within Trump’s organization. With time, whether or not this unpopularity will impact the outcome of the ongoing trial remains to be seen.
Regardless of personal opinions, Cohen’s role within Trump’s organization was undeniably significant. He held a position of power and was privy to insider information which is now being used in the case against his former boss. The perspective offered by his unpopularity lends a unique lens to the proceedings and is a testament to the abrasive methods that were seemingly the norm in Trump’s circle.