Former President Donald Trump, in an unexpected joint radio interview with his former personal attorney and now reconciled associate, Michael Cohen, suggested that Cohen had been "weaponized" against him by mainstream news organizations. This rare public conversation between the two individuals marks a significant moment after years of public animosity.
Recalling the "Says Who" Moment
During the initial segment of their two-part radio discussion, Cohen reflected on a notable 2016 interview he had with CNN anchor Brianna Keilar. The exchange gained widespread attention when Cohen challenged Keilar's assertion about Trump's performance in opinion polls.
"Do you remember, sir, when I went on CNN with Brianna Keilar, and she told me that you were underwater in the polls, and I responded with those famous two words, ‘says who,’ which became some worldwide meme," Cohen recounted during the radio program.
Trump responded by agreeing with Cohen's interpretation of events.
"And then they weaponized you like nobody's ever been weaponized, like few have been," Trump stated.
Cohen then added, "Well, maybe just you and me, sir."
Trump continued, acknowledging his own experiences while emphasizing the media's alleged treatment of Cohen. "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. And I respect the fact that you recanted everything you said. That's a big thing that you did," Trump affirmed.
Cohen also recalled Trump's reaction the morning after the 2016 interview, quoting the former president as saying, "F--- them. You're stronger than them. We've got this."
Critiquing Media Polling and Reporting
Cohen further expressed his dissatisfaction with news outlets, noting that CNN had never issued an apology or retraction for their reporting. He observed that, years later, CNN, MSNBC, and other left-leaning media outlets continue to report on Trump's unfavorable poll numbers, mirroring the earlier situation.
Later in the discussion, both Trump and Cohen extended their criticism to media polls more broadly. Trump specifically singled out The New York Times.
"The polls are crooked. So the reporters that, you know, are crooked, 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," Trump asserted. "When you read these things, and they’re not doing well. Look, the reason they're not doing well is because they've lost a lot of credibility."
Despite his criticisms, Trump also acknowledged the presence of skilled journalists in the field. "Now you do have great journalists," he added. "You do have great reporters also. Many people are very good, very, very good. I could name them, but by naming them, I’ll leave some out."
A Decade-Long Silence Broken
The highly anticipated radio segment marked the first public dialogue between Trump and Cohen in nearly ten years. Cohen, who served as a crucial witness in two legal proceedings against Trump in New York, also published a post on his Substack account providing further details about the unexpected reconciliation.
